Drivers have been warned they could see the national speed limit along a major A-road slashed to 50mph after thousands of driving offences have prompted action.
Somerset Council revealed that it will be looking at lowering the speed limit on the A361 Frome Bypass from 60mph to 50mph.
The move follows the discovery that more than 4,500 driving offences were recorded there in just four months by new artificial intelligence cameras.
The cameras, installed between March and July this year, were part of a joint road safety project between Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police.
The A361 bypass carries about 15,000 vehicles a day and has become a serious safety concern after several major crashes, the council explained.
The proposed speed cut is part of a wider plan to make the road safer. Officials explained that the AI monitoring system has revealed just how often drivers break the rules on this busy route.
During the four-month trial, the cameras detected 4,407 cases where drivers or passengers were not wearing seatbelts—by far the most common offence.
They also caught 119 drivers using mobile phones at the wheel and 74 vehicles speeding above 80mph in a 60mph zone.
The council warned that it could lower the speed limit to 50mph to help reduce driving offences
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GETTY/PAThe A361 section has been described as a “collision blackspot.” Over the past five years, six people have died there, including four in 2023 and 2024 alone.
According to authorities, driver behaviour plays a part in about 90 per cent of serious crashes, making it a key focus of safety efforts.
Because the road is such an important transport link through Somerset, handling thousands of vehicles daily, officials warned that it would be crucial to address the risks before more lives are lost.
Last autumn, the council made several emergency improvements at the junctions along the bypass after a series of serious accidents.
The cameras have detected 4,407 cases of driving offences since coming into effect
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PAThese changes included repainting road markings, adding clearer warning signs, replacing Give Way signs with STOP signs and extending double white lines to restrict overtaking.
A larger engineering project is now being studied, with construction possibly starting in late 2026.
This scheme could include redesigning junctions and permanently reducing speed limits to make the road safer.
Councillor Richard Wilkins said he understands why residents are worried about the high number of crashes.
“We share the concerns of the community about the number of incidents on this stretch of road,” Mr Wilkins said.
“That is why we are working in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police to try to improve safety.”
He added that the AI cameras are only part of a bigger strategy that could include both physical road changes and stricter enforcement.
“Driver’s behaviour contributes to around 90 per cent of serious road collisions, and these figures are shocking,” he said.
“We all need to take responsibility. Remember, it’s not just your life you’re risking but the lives of other road users.”
Inspector Matt Boiles from Avon and Somerset Police said AI technology is proving vital in spotting dangerous driving that could otherwise go unnoticed.
“AI technology is helping us to identify unsafe driving behaviours that too often lead to tragedy,” he explained.
“The number of offences recorded on the Frome Bypass is deeply concerning and shows that too many drivers are still taking unnecessary risks.”
He added that the partnership approach goes beyond issuing fines. “Our strategy combines enforcement with education and long-term road improvements,” Mr Boiles shared.
“Every offence captured represents a potential life saved if that driver changes their behaviour.”
The AI surveillance system will stay in place while the council and police continue planning permanent safety upgrades.