From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, March 29, 2007

DEVON County Council's Highways and Traffic Orders Committee for North Devon has backed more than £2.8 million of transport improvements for the area.

The plans are part of the Devon on the Move local transport plan, which runs until 2011, with the aim of tackling traffic congestion, making public transport more accessible, while also improving road safety and air quality.

The programme of work includes:

        enhanced surfacing on the A361 at Aller Cross, South Molton;

        a pedestrian crossing on the A361 at Exeter Road, Braunton;

        improved signing and road markings at South Lea services, Bishops Nympton; and

        junction improvements on the A39 at Westleigh Junction.

In Barnstaple and Bideford the aim is to help reduce short journeys by car within the town. There are plans to enhance traffic management in the Strand and Square in Barnstaple by improving walking, cycling and public transport access into the town centre. A walking and cycling link will also be created from Sticklepath to Pilton College and from Raleigh and Pilton to Pottington Industrial Estate.

Councillor Geoff Fowler, Chairman of the North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee, said: "It's a comprehensive programme of improvements for North Devon which should make a difference to how people travel. The schemes will aim to make our roads safer for everyone using them, from motorists to cyclists, as well as encouraging more people to go green and reduce their carbon emissions."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "The schemes identified for the coming year will continue to help make roads in North Devon safer while also improving air quality. People should have better access to public transport, footpaths and cycle routes to give them the option of leaving the car at home. Over the next four years we should hopefully see an increase in people using alternative forms of transport as they do their bit to make Devon greener."

Public transport will benefit, with £44,000 being spent on improving bus shelters and information. There is also £40,000 set aside for traffic management improvements in Ilfracombe, £25,000 for schemes earmarked in school travel plans and £20,000 for improving footpaths.

The County Council's Executive has already approved further investment in rural areas through Wheels to Work, which is aimed at helping young people who live in communities where there is no bus service to travel to work or college. Shopmobility and Ring and Ride schemes will also be extended to give disabled people access to local shops and services.

Since 2001 more than £220 million has been invested in improving local transport across Devon. This has helped fund 209 targeted road safety schemes and training which has reduced the number of children killed or seriously injured by 71 per cent, and reduced all casualties by 24 per cent. Investment in public transport has helped increase bus passengers journeys to over 20 million per year, and cycling has also increased by 113 per cent in that time.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384

Councillor Geoff Fowler 01271 864211.