Speed limit cut from 60mph to 50mph

The speed limit has been cut from 60mph to 50mph on a stretch of road in a bid to combat speeding drivers.

New signs have appeared along the A4361, which runs between Swindon and Avebury in Wiltshire, to reflect the change.

Wiltshire Council has said the 50mph speed limit has been extended at Broad Hinton out to county boundary with Swindon over an area which was previously 60mph.

Peter Barry, clerk of Broad Hinton & Winterbourne Bassett Parish Council, said he was "delighted", especially as he has previously been involved in a crash at a junction on the road.

"People do drive very fast on this road and it is the turning out which is the dangerous part," he added.

Drivers on the A4361 experience a mix of 30, 40, 50 and 60mph speed limits between Swindon and Devizes.

Barry said he has spoken to driving instructors who would take trainee ambulance drivers down the road due to its variety of speeds and "sharp bends."

He added: "They would come down this road as it has more changes from derestriction [national speed limit] to 50mph limits compared to any other short stretch of road which they knew about."

Barry, who has lived in Broad Hinton for 25 years, said he was previously involved in a crash at a junction on the A4361 which left his car "written off."

He continued: "There are some very difficult side roads turning into the main road, which does mean there have been a significant number of accidents on that stretch of road."

Wiltshire Council agreed to changing the speed limit when the request came in from the parish council.

Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "It [the new speed limit] is being implemented alongside speed limit changes on the C415 Broad Town Road / Marlborough Road, where a previous de-restricted length is changing to 40mph and 50mph."

Barry said he was hopeful the new move would slow drivers down.

"I don't think there is a physical way of stopping someone speeding if they are determined to do so," he continued.

"But I think people who are sensible will see the 50mph limit, and hopefully go at about that speed."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.