DRIVERS frequently doing 50mph in a 20mph zone in a historic village are being urged to "slow down before it's too late".

Police claim the problem is so bad in Milverton, which has narrow streets and no pavements in places, that older people wear hi-vis gear to stay safe.

Parish council chairman Cllr Ian Ainsworth-Smith said people are worried there could be "a serious injury or fatality".

He said: "Residents are extremely concerned across the village.

"It's quite clear that the 20mph is breached time and again.

"Cars frequently pass the front door of our home in North Street at what must be 50mph in a 20mph zone.

"It's dangerous. The parish council is extremely concerned there could be a serious injury or fatality."

Cllr Ainsworth-Smith said his wife, Jean, adheres to the limit but is regularly "flashed and overtaken" by other drivers.

The parish council is planning to install three temporary speed indicator devices to gather evidence of the extent of the problem.

Fellow councillor Phil Young, who lives off Station Road, where he says the 20mph limit is "constantly abused".

He added: "And at weekend you can hear motorbikes screaming along the main road and sometimes up Station Road - it sounds like Donington Park.

"If there was a bus coming down North Street, it's a matter of time before there's an accident.

"My driveway goes out onto Station Road. Sometimes you take your life into your hand. When I put the bins out, I'm indicating to people to slow down."

District councillor Gwil Wren said: "Traffic through Milverton has been a major issue for many years.

"Speeding is always a problem and speeds have increased during lockdown. We're asking for people to take care in built up areas."

Avon and Somerset Police road safety unit has posted on social media: "The older generation in Milverton feel they need to wear high visibility clothing to stay safe on a village walk.

"With narrow streets and no pavements in places, the roads are subject to a 20mph limit and weight restriction.

"Please slow down before it's too late."