This scheme will start construction on Monday 29 September 2025. Construction is expected to take approximately 4 weeks.
We understand that roadworks can cause disruption and we will do our best to minimise inconvenience. To ensure the safety of both the public and our workforce, the following temporary traffic management measures will be in place:
We encourage you to plan your journeys accordingly and to contact us if you experience any issues during the works. We are committed to resolving concerns promptly and completing the project as efficiently as possible.
Records show a high number of collisions along the entire length of the A30 dual carriageway between Yeovil and Sherborne, with many vehicles significantly exceeding the speed limit. Between 1 January 2014 and 24 March 2025, there have been 43 injury collisions. These collisions have resulted in slight, serious and fatal injuries being sustained by those involved. This has resulted in 63 casualties, including 6 fatalities and 15 seriously injured.
| Year | Slight collisions | Serious collisions | Fatal collisions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 4 | 1 | None |
| 2015 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 2016 | 9 | 2 | None |
| 2017 | 4 | 1 | None |
| 2018 | None | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | None | None | None |
| 2020 | 3 | None | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 | None | None |
| 2022 | None | None | 1 |
| 2023 | None | 1 | None |
| 2024 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 | None | None |
Loscombe Crossroads has seen 8 collisions since 2014, including 4 fatalities from 3 incidents in just 4 years, between 2020 to 2024. It sits on a fast, high-risk stretch of the A30 between Yeovil and Sherborne, where speeding has been a long-standing issue.
On 11 October 2024, we reduced the speed limit from 70mph to 60mph, a recent coroner’s report warned that the junction layout and collision frequency still pose a serious risk. We are acting on these concerns.
While driver behaviour plays a role, we follow the Safe System approach—an internationally recognised model that designs roads to reduce the impact of human error. Immediate safety measures are now being introduced to help prevent further casualties.
To address the risks at Loscombe Crossroads, we will implement a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) under Section 14(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This will:
The works will include temporarily extending the vehicle restraint barriers across the crossroads. These changes are expected to come into effect in late summer 2025 and will be in place for up to 18 months. During this time, we will monitor traffic behaviour and consult with local communities on whether to make the changes permanent.
The villages most affected by the changes are:
Traffic data from a count taken on July 15 2025, shows that only a small number of vehicles make the restricted movements each day - around 384 movements, including 38 U-turns. Vehicles will still be able to turn left onto and off the A30, allowing most journeys to continue with minimal disruption.
Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross the A30 at Loscombe Crossroads, and bus stops on both sides of the road will remain open, with access maintained through the central reservation.
Traffic speed and volume surveys were carried out over a 7-day period in July 2025 to support a previous feasibility study. Two survey points were set up around the Over Compton junction, capturing both eastbound and westbound traffic.
The results show that whilst there is a slight reduction in speed since the limit was reduced from 70mph to 60mph in October 2024. A significant number of vehicles are still exceeding the speed limit.
| Speed range | Average vehicles per day | % of total traffic |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 50 mph | 1,379 | 10% |
| 50 to 60 mph | 6,638 | 46% |
| 60 to 70 mph | 4,923 | 34% |
| 70 to 80 mph | 887 | 6% |
| 80 to 90 mph | 150 | 1% |
| 90 to 100 mph | 22 | <1% |
| 100 to 110 mph | 7 | <1% |
| Over 110 mph | 0 | 0% |
During the survey period, an average of over 2,900 vehicles per day were recorded travelling between 60 and 70mph, and over 2,390 vehicles per day exceeded 70mph.
Alarmingly, on average 22 vehicles per day were recorded travelling between 90 and 100mph, and 7 vehicles per day exceeded 100mph.
These figures highlight the scale of the speeding issue at this location and reinforce the need for both the speed limit reduction and further safety interventions.
To ensure the changes are effective and do not create new risks elsewhere, we are undertaking a comprehensive programme of monitoring. This includes:
Speed surveys (before and after implementation):
Turning count surveys:
These surveys will help us understand how traffic patterns change and whether risk is being dispersed to other routes.
The removal of right-turn and straight-over movements will likely increase traffic on nearby routes, including:
These routes will be closely monitored during the TTRO period. An additional “Unsuitable for HGVs” sign will be installed at the Over Compton end of Compton Road to discourage inappropriate use by larger vehicles.
For northbound vehicles travelling straight across the A30 from Bradford Abbas to Over Compton and westbound vehicles turning right from the A30 towards Over Compton.
Vehicles will turn left out of Old Compton Lane onto the A30. The diversion route will continue westbound along the A30 to Yeovil. The diversion will then use the Babylon Hill Roundabout to make a U-turn to rejoin the A30 in an eastbound direction. Vehicles can then turn left onto Marl Lane towards Over Compton at the Loscombe Crossroads junction.
There are existing signed routes from Over Compton to Yeovil along Compton Road, and from the A30 to Bradford Abbas along Underdown Hollow. These routes will be unaffected.
For southbound vehicles travelling straight across the A30 from Over Compton to Bradford Abbas and eastbound vehicles turning right from the A30 towards Bradford Abbas.
Vehicles will turn left out of Marl Lane onto the A30. The diversion will continue eastbound along the A30 to Sherborne. At the A352 (Horsecastles) junction, vehicles will turn right onto the A352. From here, vehicles will follow the existing signage to Bradford Abbas along Bradford Road.
We are conducting a feasibility study to explore the introduction of average speed cameras along this stretch of the A30. This would help ensure compliance with the new 60mph speed limit and support long-term safety improvements.
If we do not see a significant reduction in speeding and collisions, further measures may be considered. These could include changes to other junctions along the A30 between Sherborne and Yeovil.
These options would require significant investment, but they reflect our strong commitment to improving road safety and protecting all road users.
