TWO separate car crashes in two days on a stretch of the A39 between Minehead and Porlock where a 50 mph speed limit was introduced last year have prompted renewed calls for further road safety improvements.

The first smash occurred on Friday afternoon (June 21) and then the following day a four-vehicle pile up closed the road for a second time, causing massive traffic jams on surrounding country lanes as drivers tried to find another way around the scene.

Both incidents occurred close to the Tivington junction, where longstanding local resident Peter Bate and parish Cllr Mike Barney have been pushing for the use of speed indicator devices (SIDS) to try to slow down traffic.

Selworthy and Minehead Without Parish Council has also been trying to secure better markings and clearer signage on the nearby Bratton straight, which was resurfaced last year.

It also wants a ban on right-turns across the middle of the three lanes to Bratton and has called for the safety issues to be discussed with new Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody.

Mr Bate said: “This four-car pile-up blocked the road for hours, with fortunately only one person walking wounded, although in much discomfort and shock.

“It would appear that a small car crossed to the wrong side of the road forcing the other drivers to try and take evasive action.

“It was a scene of car carnage with vehicles strewn across the road, some mangled together.”

Mr Bate said the 50 mph speed limit was only brought in because of a local campaign following a series of fatalities and other accidents.

He said although county highways contractors laid new road markings, they left a broken line in the centre and not a solid white line which would keep drivers to their own side of the carriageway. 

Mr Bate said: “There is also a call for improving the road markings and signs on the A39 approaching Minehead from Porlock, where another fatal tragic accident occurred in recent months and to stop traffic travelling west turning right on the Bratton straight towards Hindon.”