A POLICE operation is being carried out to target motorists committing offences after nine fatal collisions took place on a Somerset A-road since the start of 2023.

Avon and Somerset Police said they are targeting motorists committing ‘Fatal Five’ offences on the A361 near Frome.

The force said 7 road traffic collisions (RTCs) on the A361 surrounding Frome which have claimed 9 lives since the start of 2023.

Police also added that on the wider road network around the town, this extends to eight fatal RTCs, 12 serious injury collisions and 74 slight injury collisions.

A spokesperson said: “Seven road traffic collisions (RTCs) on the A361 surrounding Frome have claimed nine lives since the start of 2023.

“On the wider road network around the town, this extends to eight fatal RTCs, 12 serious injury collisions and 74 slight injury collisions.

“These are devastating statistics that have upended the lives of too many families.

“In response to community concerns following these tragedies, and as part of our broader road safety commitment to prevent and reduce road death and serious injury, our Roads Policing Team carried out an operation on the A361 yesterday (Wednesday, September 18) to target motorists committing ‘Fatal Five’ offences:

  • Speeding
  • Drink/Drug driving
  • Failure to wear a seatbelt
  • Distracted driving (e.g. using a mobile phone behind the wheel)
  • Careless driving

“These dangerous driving behaviours have been identified as the most common factors behind fatal and serious injury collisions.

“During the operation, we dealt with seven road safety offences and conducted speed checks at seven different sites.

“We’ll continue to do everything we can to make our roads a safer place through education and enforcement. For every dangerous driver we take off the road, a tragedy is prevented.”