Speed camera plan at ‘most dangerous junction in Dorset’

Local councillor Robin Legg says using the cameras to tackle speeding needs to be a priority - the idea backed by local parish councils. A survey on the road has found more than 200 vehicles a day travelling in excess of 80mph, some over 100mph, one at 120mph. The junction, known locally at Loscombe Crossroads, will see changes to its layout later this year - as a result of a directive from the Coroner following an inquest into the death of a young mother at the site.

Rachael Griffin, Senior Coroner for Dorset found that between January 2014 and March this year eight collisions had occurred at the same junction, involving slight, serious or fatal injuries, with four fatalities in four years. The Coroner warned than more might follow, unless changes were made. Sherborne rural councillor Robin Legg says local people back the changes, and the average speed cameras, but has warned that the Scottish and Southern power company may not allow the connection of the cameras to the mains electricity supply in the area, something he says which needs to be overcome.

He has now called on Dorset Council to press for the cameras, despite SSE's reluctance.
Cllr Legg has also warned that the ban on certain turns at the junction could have a knock-on effect on other local roads and has asked the council to investigate the likely impact before work begins. Changes to the junction will see a ban on right turns, u-turns and straight over movements, although access to Marl Lane and Old Compton Road will still be permitted. A central barrier will also be installed later this summer to enforce the changes.
Highways portfolio holder Cllr Jon Andrews said that a traffic flow study had already been taken which showed relatively low use at the junction, but would continue to monitor traffic movements at the junction before the temporary road order became permanent.

"Speeding has been identified as a significant factor contributing to collisions at this junction and along the A30 between Yeovil and Sherborne... a 2022 survey showed 200 vehicles a day travelling faster than 80mph, some exceeding 100mph and some even doing 120mph," he said.

Cllr Andrews said a 60mph had been introduced in the autumn of 2024 and a new survey was being held to see if speeding continued to be a problem and, if it was, was likely to lead to the introduction of average speed cameras, subject to consultation with Dorset Police and the Highways Agency.