Thursday, 30 August 2018

Marcus Fysh, MP for Yeovil, calls for further dualling of the A303 and A358.


Following the recent fatal crash on the A303 just west of Ilminster Marcus Fysh, the MP for Yeovil, has reiterated his call for further dualling of both the A303 and A358.*  The 3 lane Ilminster bypass section of the A303 is a dreadful stretch of road and does indeed need dualling as well as having, in my opinion, a speed limit of 50 mph.  Furthermore, many drivers approach and enter the roundabouts each end of the bypass – Southfields and South Petherton – at uncomfortably high speeds, both for themselves and those already on the roundabout.  As for the A358, I hate to think what turning right to join it will be like if it is dualled – such a manoeuvre is difficult enough now!         

As a former Bristolian I well remember the Long Ashton bypass on the southwest approach to Bristol and the awful accidents which occurred there until the layout of its 3 lane section was improved.

Unfortunately, I suspect dualling of the single carriageways on the A303 and A358 will only lead to traffic reaching the next bottleneck slightly quicker than before, and the extra capacity created will soon be filled by travellers from new towns such as the one proposed to straddle the A303 near Yeovilton.**

Even if Mr Fysh’s calls are heeded I doubt if the A303/A358 will be any less hazardous overall while an awful lot of money will have been spent just to cut a few minutes off the journey between London and the Southwest.  Perhaps drivers should simply be made to slow down, and allow their passengers to enjoy the wonderful scenery as they pass through Wiltshire, Somerset and Devonshire!




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