Bridgwater Town Council has reviewed the latest Speed Indicator Device (SID) data from December 2024 to February 2025.The findings highlight traffic patterns, vehicle speeds, and potential safety concerns, particularly in areas where excessive speeds have been recorded. Councillor Tim Mander (Labour,Westover) Co-Chair of the Transport Forum at Bridgwater Town Council commented, “These traffic reports help us better understand how roads are being used and where potential risks exist. Although I am pleased to see the average speeds fall well within permitted limits some of the top speeds recorded are quite frightening. You must remember most of these locations are either in residential areas or where pedestrians frequently walk and driving at some of the speeds recorded potentially put lives at risk. The data highlights the need for continued speed monitoring and possible enforcement in high-risk areas, particularly where excessive speeding has been recorded. We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to explore measures that enhance road safety and prevent accidents.“

The Broadway (9 December – 22 December 2024 and 20 January – 2 February 2025)

During the first study, 70,308 vehicles entered and 74,227 exited Broadway. The average speed was 24.22 mph (incoming) and 21.51 mph (outgoing). However, the highest recorded speeds were 63 mph and 62 mph, significantly above safe limits.

In the second study, 85% of vehicles were travelling at or below 26 mph, with a maximum speed of 43 mph recorded. While most drivers complied with speed limits, occasional speeding remains a concern.

Bristol Road (9 December – 22 December 2024 & 6 January – 20 January 2025)

Bristol Road saw 72,726 incoming vehicles, with peak traffic between 06:00–09:00 and 16:30–19:00. The average speed was 24.96 mph, but a maximum speed of 87 mph was recorded in the early hours of the morning, raising concerns about late-night speeding.

In the second study, the average outgoing speed was 24.50 mph, but dangerously high speeds of 100 mph (incoming) and 80 mph (outgoing) were recorded late at night and early in the morning. These extreme outliers indicate potential safety risks requiring further review.

Parrett Way (23 December 2024 – 6 January 2025)

Traffic monitoring showed 21,059 incoming vehicles and 30,767 outgoing vehicles, confirming it as a primary route in and out of Bridgwater. The average speeds were 25.55 mph (incoming) and 26.91 mph (outgoing).

A concerning 95 mph outgoing speed was recorded, far exceeding safe limits. While this may be an isolated incident, further monitoring and possible intervention may be needed. Most vehicles remained within a reasonable speed range, with 85% of outgoing traffic travelling at or below 30 mph.

Durleigh Road (23 December 2024 – 6 January 2025)

A total of 33,565 incoming vehicles were recorded, with average speeds fluctuating between 25-27 mph. However, higher speeds (over 50 mph) were frequently recorded late at night and early in the morning, with a maximum speed of 60 mph. This suggests a pattern of occasional excessive speeding during quieter traffic periods.

Homberg Way/NDR (6 January – 20 January 2025)

The NDR route recorded 74,390 incoming vehicles, with an average speed of 25.20 mph. Speed trends were stable during the day, but occasional speeds over 40 mph were noted, particularly in early morning and late-night hours. The highest speed recorded was 72 mph, with multiple instances exceeding 40 mph, indicating potential enforcement requirements.

Rhode Lane (20 January – 2 February 2025)

Rhode Lane recorded 1,200 incoming vehicles, with an average speed of 19.76 mph. While the majority of vehicles complied with the speed limit, a maximum speed of 51 mph was recorded, suggesting occasional violations. Over 90% of vehicles travelled at or below 30 mph, reinforcing general compliance, though further monitoring may be necessary.