Shortages cause delays for new speed limit signs

A NATIONAL shortage of construction materials has meant that new 20mph speed limit signs in Somerset have been delayed by over a month.

On Thursday, August 5, an official traffic regulation order stated the speed limit along the A3259 at Monkton Heathfield Road and Yallands Hill, near Taunton, had dropped from a 30mph zone to a 20mph zone.

However, a month later and the new 20mph speed limit signs have yet to been installed leaving some residents confused.

A national shortage of construction materials has meant that the equipment has been severely delayed.

Currently, the equipment is scheduled to be delivered the week beginning September 13 and installation is expected to take place immediately.

Some temporary traffic management may be required to safely install the equipment.

The traffic regulation order is in place for 18 months throughout the multi-million-pound upgrade of the Creech Castle Junction, meaning drivers will be forced to divert around Taunton and onto the new Western Relief Road. Additional traffic is expected along this key route in Monkton Heathfield despite not being the official diversion route, and therefore the speed limit has been dropped.

A Somerset County Council spokesperson said: “The traffic order in place in Monkton Heathfield will assist in managing traffic flows within the village whilst work is carried out on the Toneway Creech Castle Junction.

“Unfortunately, due to a national shortage of construction materials at the moment, the lead time between ordering materials and delivery has been drastically increased.

“The equipment is currently scheduled to be delivered the week beginning 13th September and installation will take place immediately upon receipt. Temporary traffic management may be required to safely install the equipment and it will take around 10 days to complete. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these delays.”