Somerset Council is proposing 15 new speed limits in the county at the request of local communities. 

The changes would be funded by the communities as part of an initiative run by the Council. 

Last year there were a number of requests from across Somerset for either 20mph or 30mph limits following concerns about safety. 

 In response the Council invited all communities to apply for a 20mph speed limit if they were willing to fund the design and implementation and they are in line with Department for Transport criteria. 

 These proposals are now moving forward and the Traffic Regulation Orders are currently being advertised. 

During the 21-day consultation period, which closes week commencing April 8, people will have the chance to comment on the new proposals.  

 Anyone wishing to discuss the speed limit within their community should contact their Town or Parish Clerk. 

 Somerset Council's Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Councillor Richard Wilkins said: "We are always ready to support communities who wish to fund discretionary works such as the introduction of speed limits where appropriate. 

"This initiative is very much driven by the communities themselves – this is not about imposing measures people don't want. 

"In all cases the call for a 20 mph or 30mph limit has come from local people, for very valid safety reasons. We're really pleased to be able to support this." 

The 15 proposed new 20 mph limits are in the following communities: 

·      Cannington 

·      Castle Cary and Ansford 

·      Chard 

·      Chewton Mendip 

·      Crowcombe 

·      Ditcheat and Alhampton 

·      Ilchester 

·      Monksilver 

·      North Petherton 

·      Othery 

·      Otterford 

·      Pilton 

·      Ruishton 

·      Trudoxhill 

·      Wincanton