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'Our village's terrifying 40mph road must change'

Sarah Turnnidge
BBC News, West of England
Jeremy Stern
BBC Radio Wiltshire
BBC John, Sam, Harriet , Michelle stand together in front of the road closure on a sunny day. John has white hair and wears glasses, a black cardigan and a light-coloured shirt. Sam is wearing a blue and cream jumper, and has long dark hair. Harriet is wearing a khaki coat and a large scarf, and has a light-coloured bob, while Michelle is wearing a red striped t-shire and black dungarees. BBC
Residents of Limpley Stoke in Wiltshire (L-R) John Roberts, Sam Fairley, Harriet Olsen and Michelle Moreland

Families have called for a lower speed limit on a "terrifying" major road running through their village.

Residents of Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire, want the limit to be cut from 40mph to 30mph on the A36 into Bath, a key route into the city.

They have also called for a safe crossing to be installed on the road, which was reopened on 1 March after being shut in August 2024 due to large cracks in the roadside footpath.

National Highways said it was "aware of aspirations" for a pedestrian crossing and had "worked with parish councils on developing options for the future".

Lots of road signs and cones close the road through the village.
The A36, a major route into Bath, has been closed since August 2024

Resident Sam Fairley said there had been a "huge opportunity missed" to improve road safety through the village while the A36 was closed.

Ms Fairley, who has two young boys, said: "It's terrifying. Every day we wonder if we're going to be able to get across, how long it's going to take to get across.

"We are concerned that it will take an accident for something to happen here.

"We are not willing for one of our children to be a pawn, basically, for something to be improved here."

Fellow resident Harriet Olsen set up a petition to install a safe crossing, and said the issue should be a "huge priority" for National Highways.

Calls for changes had been made for more than a decade, she said, but nothing has happened.

Harriet (left) and Sam stand beside the road, both wearing winter coats and smiling slightly at the camera.
Residents say concerns about road safety have been raised repeatedly for more than a decade

Residents said that while they were extremely concerned about road safety, they were keen for the road to reopen as it is a vital route.

But John Roberts, 86, described crossing the road "like driving dodgems at the fair", adding: "I think there will be an accident – whether it's fatal or not – but it's asking for it."

Residents have repeatedly called on National Highways to consider lowering the speed limit to 30mph, in line with restrictions in other neighbouring villages.

It was announced on 14 February that the road would partially reopen on 1 March, a month ahead of schedule, although a two-way traffic light system will be in place until May.

A National Highways spokesperson said they would "continue to liaise with the local community regarding proposals".

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