Glastonbury speedwatch appeal as solstice crowds near

Glastonbury residents are calling for more Community Speedwatch volunteers on Coursing Batch and Chilkwell Street as summer crowds build ahead of the solstice on Sunday, 21 June. The roads, which form part of the A361 towards Pilton and Shepton Mallet, run through a narrow residential area close to Glastonbury Tor and Chalice Well.

The main entrances to the Tor and Chalice Well sit near the point where Chilkwell Street and Coursing Batch meet. Residents say that brings a steady stream of visitors on foot, while cars, quarry lorries and other large vehicles continue to use a road that becomes tight and twisting in places.

The speed limit through Chilkwell Street and Coursing Batch has been 20mph since 2021. Residents involved in the local speedwatch effort say many drivers still travel at 30mph, with some going faster, and that the road feels noticeably calmer when vehicles keep to the lower limit.

They are particularly concerned about pedestrians heading down from the Tor during busy periods, including solstice weekend. The pavement is narrow in places, and residents say large vehicles sometimes mount it while trying to pass each other on the tightest sections.

The Coursing Batch Community Speedwatch group monitors vehicle speeds and hopes the evidence gathered will help encourage further action to reduce speeding. The group says more volunteers would allow it to hold regular sessions at a time when both pedestrian and vehicle numbers are expected to rise.

Residents have also thanked the local drivers and businesses already making an effort to stick to the 20mph limit. They say those drivers are noticed, even when they end up with a queue behind them.

Anyone interested in joining the group can complete the Community Speedwatch knowledge check after watching a short film. Details are then sent automatically to Avon and Somerset Police's speedwatch team, which will inform the local co-ordinator.