Public support has been expressed for a series of proposals to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Alphington.
Devon County Council carried out a public consultation last December and January to explore improvements for Church Road and Chudleigh Road in Alphington. A scheme is being prepared, funded from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, following a successful bid by Devon County Council.
The proposals covered in the consultation explored three key areas:
• Alphin Brook roundabout. The installation of a zebra crossing was included in the first choice of 60% of respondents, with 40% choosing an option with the narrowing of Brookfield Gardens and 20% choosing an option without the narrowing. In contrast, 41% of respondents expressed a preference for the existing provision to remain with no changes.
• Area around St Michaels and All Angels Church triangle. Removing the left turn arm of the triangle and widening zebra crossings was the least preferred option for 59% of respondents. 46% preferred the existing provision to remain with no changes. The removal of existing parking spaces and the one-way section of road in front of the church was not supported and will not be progressed.
• Chudleigh Road – church triangle to double mini roundabout. Keeping the existing provision with no changes received most support with 47%, while 62% of respondents chose carriageway narrowing as their second choice. Further investigation of options in this location will be undertaken to consider whether there is a solution which provides an alternative crossing provision while improving the junction of Ide Lane.
Of the three areas, the proposals at Alphin Brook roundabout were identified by respondents as the most important to undergo improvement. Work will now be carried out to progress a zebra crossing on Church Road and widen the pavement at Brookfield Gardens.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and transport, said:
“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. The responses will help inform the designs which will now be progressed. It has also highlighted people’s concerns about speeding traffic, the amount of traffic, and that safety of pedestrians and cyclists is a priority, identifying a number of areas for pavement improvements.”
Councillor Yvonne Atkinson, Devon County Councillor for Alphington and Cowick, said:
“The consultation shows that residents of Alphington take a proactive interest in improving the character of their neighbourhood. The plans put forward in the report respond to their concerns particularly about pedestrian and cyclists safety and the need to encourage car drivers to slow down when driving through the village and keep to the 20MPH speed limit. I hope the proposed improvements will encourage more people to leave their cars at home, adopt active travel and walk and cycle more to cut emissions and improve their health.”
Key issues raised during the consultation were reducing vehicular traffic in Ide Lane, enforcement to reduce speeding and more provision for pedestrians and cyclists suggested locations for crossings.
Concerns were also raised about pavements in Church Road, Chudleigh Road and Dawlish Road. Investigations will be carried out into the potential to raise existing crossings and any proposed zebra crossings.
The consultation was carried out throughout last December and January. The results can be found at www.devon.gov.uk/swexeter