Concerns at speeding drivers in Ford Street, near Wellington

Neil Dalton says motorists frequently put their foot down in the narrow country road through Ford Street, which is regularly used by cyclists and horse riders.

The local Speedwatch group, which Mr Dalton co-ordinates, says 704 people out of 4,573 'zapped' during 39 sessions have been travelling at more than 35mph through the 30mph zone.

The average speed clocked has been 39mph, with a maximum of 53mph - equivalent to 124mph on the M5.

CO-ORDINATOR: Neil Dalton, of Ford Street Speedwatch

Mr Dalton, who is Wellington Without Parish Council clerk, said: "The figures are simply unbelievable for a narrow country road with cyclists and horse riders regular users. The speed limit signs are simply ignored.

"It is compounded by the fact that although lorries are discouraged from using the road and directed to the Wrangway lorry route, the signage is totally ignored.

"In the statistics published by the police, we are usually close to the top beaten only by Troopers Hill in Avon.

"There have been accidents and the selfishness and dare I say stupidity of some drivers is quite shocking.

"The problem has increased since lockdown and an accident, perhaps even a fatality, is around the corner."

Drivers recorded breaking the speed limit by the Ford Street Speedwatch team are reported to police, who send them an advisory letter or pay them a visit if they are clocked a number of times.

SPEEDWATCH: Clocking motorists through Ford Street

Mr Dalton, who used to be headteacher at Ruishton Primary School, said: "If the driver has a significant history, they will be placed on the ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system.

"I know of a person recorded on Speedwatch elsewhere in Somerset who was put on the ANPR system and when they were recorded doing 72mph on the motorway were threatened with prosecution by the police."

Mr Dalton regularly cycles along the road, which is used as a link between Wellington and the M5.

He said: "I feel sometimes I'm putting myself at risk on that road. You do take your life into your hands sometimes. You feel vulnerable.

"A lot of people around Ford Street are quite concerned."

INCIDENTS: Picture taken in Ford Street in 2019. There is no suggestion of speeding by these drivers