CALLS to turn Ilminster’s residential streets into 20mph speed zones have met with mixed reaction.

Colin Bailey, of Highfield, wants to see the 20’s Plenty for Us campaign rolled out on roads predominantly in built-up residential areas.

He would be happy for major routes around Ilminster such as Station Road, Canal Way and Ditton Street to remain at 30mph.

He said: “The difference between 30mph and 20mph can make a dramatic difference to the injuries someone suffers if they are hit by a car.

“A lot of people will object to 20mph zones because they will say it is impossible to drive that slowly – but it is not.”

He raised his concerns to Ilminster town councillors who said they would discuss the matter with Somerset County Council and its highways team during a scheduled meeting this week.

Other councillors were sceptical about the idea of 20mph speed limit areas.

Cllr David Miller said: “Quite some time ago, the police said that they would not bother to enforce it.”

Cllr Carol Goodall added: “When we have done speedwatch, you can’t touch anybody in a 20mph zone.”

Mr Bailey claimed some drivers are using Ilminster as ‘a massive garage’.

He added: “I live in a cul-de-sac and life can be hell at times. I find 20mph in residential areas adequate.

“People with commercial vehicles use the town as a massive garage – it is wrong, Ilminster is for people to live in not for cars to just drive around.

“Some cars are driving at up to 50mph – and then they have to screech to a stop. The police need to be more proactive but they will not do anything.

“We are not asking for the county council to find the money from its existing funds – new money is available from the sustainable transport fund, so they can’t say it is not affordable.”

PC Andy Stuart told councillors he would have to check how 20mph would be enforced and added: “I am not sure whether we can enforce the speed limit without a road traffic order.”

Guidelines from the Association of Chief Police Officers say police will use their discretion when and how to enforce, as with all crimes and speed limits.

A spokesman for the county council said it considers all requests for 20mph zones alongside other options for improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

He added: “There are a number of criteria which must be met and schemes may also have to compete for access to funding as part of the Small Improvement Schemes programme.”

New speed limits can be applied for by contacting the county council on 0845- 345-9155.