Two new electronic signs are now operating on the A38 in Churchill, reminding drivers to respect the village’s 30mph speed limit.
Churchill Parish Council led the project in response to concerns about speeding and its impact on road safety, noise and pollution for people living along the route.
The signs face northbound and southbound traffic. Each stands approximately 80 metres inside the 30mph zone, providing a further reminder to drivers who have passed the speed limit signs but have not slowed sufficiently.
Installed on 21 October, the solar-powered signs supplied by Messagemaker Displays show “30mph Slow Down” when activated by approaching vehicles travelling above their set threshold.
Councillor Jackie Bush, speaking on behalf of Churchill Parish Council, said:
“People living beside the A38 see and hear the impact of speeding every day. They want drivers to remember that this road runs through their village. These signs give drivers another clear reminder to slow down. We are grateful to the Bristol Airport Environmental and Amenity Improvement Fund, North Somerset Council and Centregreat for helping us bring the project to life.”
The Bristol Airport Environmental and Amenity Improvement Fund provided £10,000 towards the project, with Churchill Parish Council contributing £1,000.
Tracy Comer, Community Relations Manager at Bristol Airport, said:
“Bristol Airport is delighted to support Churchill Parish Council with the purchase of the new electronic signs through our Local Community Fund. We recognise the importance of road safety and welcome this positive initiative, which is a great example of the types of projects that can benefit from the fund.
“We are proud to have worked alongside Churchill Parish Council to help bring this project to life, and hope the solar powered signs will make a lasting contribution to the village. You can find out more about Bristol Airport’s Local Community Fund and how to apply on its website.”
North Somerset Council gave permission for the installation and provided guidance on equipment specifications and installation requirements. Contractor Centregreat installed the signs. The Parish Council will take responsibility for their ongoing maintenance.
Cllr Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council said: “We know that speeding through villages is a concern for many residents, and projects like this show what can be achieved when local communities, councils and partners work together. These new signs provide a clear reminder to drivers to slow down and help make the A38 through Churchill a safer route for everyone. The speed data they collect will also give us valuable information to help understand driver behaviour and support future discussions about traffic management in the area.”
North Somerset councillor for Blagdon and Churchill, councillor Patrick Keating said: “I’m pleased to see these new signs installed in Churchill as a practical step to help remind drivers to slow down as they pass through the village. This makes the road safer for residents, pedestrians and other road users. I’d like to thank Churchill Parish Council for driving this project forward, alongside Bristol Airport and North Somerset Council for their support in making it happen.”
As well as displaying a reminder, the signs record passing vehicle speeds. This information will help the Parish Council assess whether the signs encourage drivers to slow down and inform future discussions with North Somerset Council about managing traffic on the A38.
Mark O’Brien Area Contracts Manager from Centregreat said:
“We are proud to have supported Churchill Parish Council in delivering this project and to have played our part in improving road safety for the local community. The installation of these two solar-powered signs demonstrates how relatively simple but effective technology can help encourage better driver behaviour and raise awareness of speed limits.
I would also like to recognise the efforts of our team involved in delivering the installation. Their commitment and professionalism ensure that we continue to provide practical solutions that make a positive difference to the communities in which we work.”
The Parish Council hopes the signs will encourage more drivers to play their part in making the route safer and more considerate for everyone who lives in, works in or travels through Churchill.