Taunton traffic diversion

 A new traffic diversion system along the A39 and A358 between Minehead, Taunton and Bridgwater is being piloted by Avon and Somerset Police, working in partnership with the Traffic Management department at Somerset County Council.

Five new diversion routes have been agreed, in consultation with local communities, that will be used by the police in the event of an accident or emergency, where the road would be closed for more than an hour. The idea is to avioid unnecessary delays and driver frustration about the level of traffic that becomes stationary through villages along the roads.

Inspector Lisa Simpson from Minehead Police Station said: "We understand the frustration of local residents. The A39 is extremely narrow in places and being the main route to and from Minehead there can be high volume of traffic, which can become a real problem if there is an accident.

"Historically personal Sat' Nav' systems have also added to the problem, selecting alternative routes that are not always suitable, diverting motorists along narrow country lanes and through smaller villages sometimes resulting in larger vehicles becoming stuck - leaving villages gridlocked.

"I would appeal to everyone, residents and visitors alike, to follow the diversions. If some people decide to follow their nose or their sat-nav', regardless of how well they know the area, we will end up in the same situation with high-volumes of traffic still trying to use narrow roads through small villages.

"The diversion will mean a longer route but it will ensure that you will reach your destination more quickly and with less frustration. It will also mean that officers will be able to concentrate on dealing with the main incident rather than being called away to deal with further delays and problems due to other motorists ignoring the pre-agreed route.

"I think this is a very positive step forward in alleviating traffic issues that have caused frustration and unhappiness to some of local communities."

Holding areas for HGV's are also being investigated in both Minehead and Bridgwater, facilities for unloading HGV's with livestock whilst delays are being cleared are also being investigated.

Paul Davies, Street Works Manager for Somerset County Council, said: "We hope that these proposed new measures will have a positive impact and resolve some of the traffic issues we are currently experiencing in the event of incidents and emergency road works."

It all sounds like a good idea to me, I don't know about everyone else but as long as I can keep moving, I don't care if I have to take an alternate route.

Let's hope they've got it right.