AN unpopular speed limit on the outskirts of Carhampton finally is set to be scrapped.

after pressure from local residents, parish councillors and county councillor Hugh Davies, the 30mph speed limit leading into the village from the 60mph Withycombe Straight is set to be upped to a 40mph limit.

A spokesman for the authority said: "Concerns from the local community were initially raised by local county councillor Hugh Davies.

"We proposed the speed limit change which was supported by both Cllr Davies and the local parish.

"There is now a 21-day consultation period and, provided there are no objections, we would expect the signs to be changed later in the summer."

Free Press reader Allan Dyer contacted the paper earlier this year to express his frustration with the "unnecessary" 30mph limit.

He said the lower limit was contrary to Department of Transport guidelines and the zone should be a minimum of 40mph as there were no buildings, no pavement and no road junctions along its length.

He also raised concerns about the frequent law enforcement presence at the end of the 30mph zone rather than in the village itself.

"Why is the speed limit not regularly enforced on the bends approaching Bilbrook, where there have been numerous accidents over the years, or in the middle of Washford or Bilbrook which are particularly hazardous for pedestrians?

"The perception is that the police are enforcing limits where it is easy to catch offenders and the exercise is seen as an attempt to meet numbers targets and raise money.

"We need consistency of speed limits and enforcement where there is a real need and which will gain public support."