A NEW scheme to tackle traffic gridlock on West Somerset's main roads in the wake of major accidents or emergencies is about to be launched.

Avon and Somerset police, in partnership with Somerset County Council, have come up with a traffic diversion system for the A39 and A358 between Minehead, Taunton and Bridgwater.

Five new routes have been agreed after consultation with local communities and will be brought into use if a main road has to be closed for more than an hour.

The initiative, aimed at pre-empting delays and diverting traffic away from the incident, comes just days after a fatal collision near Carhampton which closed the A39 for more than eight hours.

Officials say the routes have been created to address directly concerns and frustration from local residents about the level of traffic that often grinds to a halt through villages when accidents happen.

The first route - on the A39 between Washford Cross and Dunster - will be piloted within the next fortnight.

Inspector Lisa Simpson, based at Minehead police station, said local residents' frustration was understandable.

"The A39 is extremely narrow in places and, being the main route to and from Minehead, there can be a high volume of traffic, which can become a real problem if there is an accident," she said.

"Historically, personal sat-nav systems have also added to the problem, selecting alternative routes that are not always suitable, diverting motorists along narrow country lanes and through small villages, sometimes resulting in larger vehicles becoming stuck."

Inspector Simpson said villages were often left gridlocked: "I would appeal to everyone - residents and visitors alike - to follow the diversions.

"If some people decide to follow their nose or sat-nav regardless of how well they know the area, we will end up in the same situation with high volumes of traffic still trying to use narrow roads through small villages."

Inspector Simpson said the diversions would mean longer routes for motorists but would ensure they reached their destination more quickly and with less frustration.

"It will also mean officers will be able to concentrate on dealing with the main incident rather than being called away to deal with further delays and problems due to motorists ignoring the pre-agreed route.

"I think this is a very positive step forward in alleviating traffic issues that have caused frustration and unhappiness to some local communities."

The creation of holding areas for HGVs is also being investigated in both Minehead and Bridgwater, with facilities for unloading large vehicles carrying livestock whilst delays are cleared also being looked at.

County council street works manager Paul Davies said it was hoped that the new measures would have a positive impact and resolve some of the traffic issues that were currently experienced in the event of incidents and emergency road works.

No details of the routes have been made available but information on traffic incidents in the area can be found on the traffic information page of the police website at http://www.avonandsomerset.police">www.avonandsomerset.police. co.uk