At last weeks meeting of the Parish Council, member of the public drew attention to traffic speeding in Downclose Lane and the subject soon spread wider to the other lane and main road.

All our lanes are particularly dangerous for dog walkers and horse riders when traffic passes by at any speed. There are often steep banks on both sides and nowhere safe to get out of the way. Add to that the many blind spots and the situation can get quite dangerous, especially in early summer, before the verges have been cut back.

How fast is too fast? On the main road there are defined speed limits but the situation is slightly different on unmarked lanes. The answer lies in the recent changes to the Highway Code, which stipulate that motor vehciles must give way to non powered traffic. In narrow lanes, this translates into a simple guidance – YOU MUST DRIVE SAFELY ACCORDING TO THE ROAD CONDITIONS.

Always imagine there is a dogwalker or horse rider around the next bend. In almost all the lanes in North Perrott, 20mph would be considered an absolute maximum. 15mph if there is a blind corner and slower still when passing a walker or horse. Horses should be given 2m clearance.

A Particular danger point is the narrow gap at the end of the New Buildings in Downclose Lane Ironically, the finger is being pointed at cutomers of Downclose Stables, who should be more aware than most of the dangers of speeding traffic and need to be reminded that this applies to them when they are arriving at the stables by car!

Church Lane and the back drive to Perrott Hill School is also a footpath and very narrow for cars to pass by dog walkers. Parents leaving the school often leave walkers in a state of shock as they speed past without due concerne for foot walkers and their dogs.

Willis lane also has blind spots and several blind exits, meaning not only horse riders and walker are in danger from speeding cars but also other cars coming in the opposite direction.

Please pay due caution when driving on our lanes. Non powered road users have the right of way on public roads and you should always anticipate what danger lies ahead of you.

When passing a dog, walker, cyclist or horserider, please do so DEAD SLOW and give due respect to the fact that you are a tonne of metal passing inches from human flesh!

The Community Speed Watch report that the village is experiencing heavy traffic that is twice as busy as usual. This is because of the A356 being closed in Crewkerne, with much traffic, especially lorries and visitors, being diverted onto the A3066. The only good news is that the Pattemore’s lorries were commended for regularly being the slowest through the village. They will be receiving a thank you letter from NPPC.