ROAD safety chiefs have urged drivers to take responsibility after campaigners called for improvements to a stretch of the A38 near Taunton.

Highways bosses are looking at traffic calming measures at Adsborough Hill, but officials say drivers must not be complacent.

Terry Beale, road safety manager at Somerset County Council, said: “You put signs up, but 95% of crashes and fatalities are caused by driver error.

“Part of the work we’ve done is to get extra signs at Adsborough to make drivers aware of the bus stop, the right turns and warning signs to say pedestrians may be crossing the road, and we’re looking at a 50mph limit.”

Parish councillors want a reduction in the speed limit, two extra laybys for buses and a safe crossing area for pedestrians.

County council engineer Nick Cowling said the authority is looking at improvements, but feasibility studies need to be made first.

Safety concerns on the A38 resurfaced when Sophie Lack, 19, and Luke Porter, 22, died when their car struck a tree after leaving the road last month further along the road towards North Petherton.

Clare Sampson, chair of Adsborough Parish Council, said: “We’ve been campaigning for years to improve the safety of the road and further developments will just exacerbate the situation.

“Two residents have had serious accidents there and minor accidents are a frequent occurrence.”

Creech St Michael district councillors David and Kelly Durdan have supported residents and pledged to work with them to secure improvements.

County councillor David Fothergill, who has applied to County Hall for improvements, said: “I submitted a scheme for the area to consider crossing points, pavements and a change in speed limits, and these have been well received and the feasibility is now being investigated.

“It’s hoped a scheme will be implemented by March next year.”