David A Graham Associates (DAGA) was commissioned by Tootlebridge Properties Limited to undertake an independent Combined Stage 1 & 2 Road Safety Audit of proposed Section 278 highway improvements associated with a new residential development in Wanstrow, Somerset. The audit assessed the safety of the proposed highway design to ensure safe access for existing road users and future residents while integrating the development into the surrounding road network.
Client: Tootlebridge Properties Limited
Location: Station Road, Wanstrow, Somerset, BA4 4SZ
Audit Date: 7th April 2026
Audit Type: Combined Stage 1 & 2 Road Safety Audit
Standards Applied: GG119 (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges)
Focus Areas: Residential Access Design, Section 278 Highway Works, Pedestrian Facilities & Speed Management
The proposed development required new residential access points, footway improvements and changes to the local highway network along Station Road. As the site is located on the transition between rural and residential environments, the design needed to safely accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists while encouraging lower vehicle speeds.
Key issues identified during the audit included:
Limited visibility at the proposed residential access.
Discontinuous pedestrian routes along Station Road.
Insufficient gateway features at the 40mph to 30mph speed limit transition.
Drainage arrangements that could create hazards on adjacent footways.
The need to improve safety for both existing road users and future residents.
David A Graham Associates carried out a detailed review of the proposed highway design, assessing the layout against current Road Safety Audit standards and undertaking an independent evaluation of potential risks.
Following the audit, practical engineering recommendations were provided, including:
Improving visibility by removing or managing roadside vegetation.
Extending footway connections to create continuous pedestrian routes.
Introducing enhanced gateway features to reinforce speed limit changes.
Improving drainage design to prevent water flowing across pedestrian areas.
Refining the highway layout to improve safety for all road users.
The Road Safety Audit provided the client with an independent assessment of the proposed highway improvements, enabling potential safety issues to be identified and addressed before construction.
The recommendations supported the delivery of a safer residential development while helping ensure compliance with recognised Road Safety Audit standards.
Independent GG119 DMRB compliant Combined Stage 1 & 2 Road Safety Audit.
Early identification of design issues before construction.
Improved safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Practical recommendations to enhance residential access and highway design.
Support for successful Section 278 highway approval.
Reduced long-term safety risks through proactive engineering solutions.
David A Graham Associates can deliver bespoke Road Safety Audit training courses at your premises or at locations across the UK and internationally.
