THE final stages of a safety scheme to encourage sustainable travel in Yatton begins today (Monday 18 November).

The project will see the installation of a 20mph speed limit across much of Yatton as well as pedestrian improvements and traffic calming.

The scheme is part of North Somerset Council’s commitment to improve road safety and sustainable travel.

The council has worked closely with Yatton ward members and the parish council to devise a package of improvements designed to improve safety and perceptions of safety for people walking, cycling and using other forms of active travel between North End and Yatton village centre, including trips to and from school.

The work follows other improvements already introduced including footway widening, a raised zebra crossing and kerb realignment near Barberry Farm Road.

The 20mph scheme will be the 29th introduced since 2000 with recent zones including Hutton, Wrington, Uphill, Nailsea, Clevedon (The Beach / Hill Road area), Weston (Baker Street) and Pill and Easton-in-Gordano.

A further 20mph is also planned for Kenn following consultation with residents this autumn.

The Yatton work, which is due to be finished before Christmas, will mainly be completed between 9.30am and 3.30pm starting with the installation of the 20mph speed limit signage.

Work to complete the traffic calming measures will need to be done during the night between 8pm and 6am to minimise disruption. Noisier operations will be completed by 11pm.

There will also be a three-night closure of the High Street between Arnolds Way and Claverham Road while the raised speed tables are constructed and road markings applied.

This is currently programmed for the nights of Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 December.

Access will be maintained from either side of the closure for residents.

Cllr Hannah Young, North Somerset Council’s executive member with responsibility for sustainable travel said: “We have worked closely with our ward members and Yatton Parish Council to devise a scheme that improves safety, encourages sustainable travel and links the new developments with the rest of Yatton.

“I am delighted to see work beginning on the final stage of the project.”

Cllrs Steve Bridger and Wendy Griggs, North Somerset Council’s ward members for Yatton added: “While Yatton High Street is very busy at peak times the key issue for most residents is safety.

"The 20mph limit is set to make the village streets better places to be for people walking, cycling, chatting, shopping or sleeping.”

Aleana Baird, clerk to Yatton Parish Council said: "Yatton Parish Council is pleased that Yatton will shortly be getting a 20mph speed limit, bringing it into line with many other places in North Somerset and also the country as a whole. It will make the roads and paths safer for everyone.

“The widening and raising of the pedestrian crossings will also contribute to these very positive measures."