The Somerset Council Promise
“We are always ready to support communities who wish to fund … the introduction of speed limits where appropriate. In all cases the call for a 20mph… limit has come from local people, for very valid safety reasons. We’re really pleased to be able to support this.” Councillor Richard Wilkins – Lead member for Transport and Digital
Since this statement they have signed up 15 Somerset villages for 20mph limits.
The call for a 20mph limit has come from local people
In Wedmore, local people have been consistently calling for a 20mph limit for 23 years.
In 2003 the Parish Plan survey had 89% of parishioners ‘very concerned’ about speed and wanting a speed limit reduction.
In the Wedmore Neighbourhood Plan dated May 2019, which you can find on Wedmore Parish Council’s own website, on page 22 you find the following commitment: “A 20mph speed limit in the areas marked on the Proposals Map will mitigate community concerns about excessive vehicle speeds and danger to pedestrians and cyclists.”
More recently, on 21 March 2025 at the Wedmore Village Hall Open Day the Parish Council consulted on parishioners’ priorities and it is clear from the ‘dot sticker’ chart produced (shown here) that road safety is top of their list – with the 20mph zone a key priority.
So, who will now make this happen for us?
- Somerset Council has already said Wedmore is suitable for a 20mph speed limit
- Wedmore Parish Council has the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds to pay for it
- Clearly Wedmore Parish Council will do nothing about making it happen
- However the volunteer team from SaveWedmoreLives is ready and willing to carry out all necessary work, including meeting with officials and Avon & Somerset Police
- All the data tells us it’s the right thing for our community