We’re inviting Newton Abbot residents to give their views on our proposals for new 20mph speed limits outside five schools in the town.
We’ve published a Traffic Regulation Order – part of the legal process to make changes to a highway – for four areas in the town using a mix of mandatory and advisory 20mph limits during school arrival and departure times.
The scheme would benefit St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Combeshead Academy, Decoy Community Primary School, Wolborough C of E Primary, Highweek Primary and Newton Abbot College.
It all follows a consultation we held last year when we asked residents and businesses if they wanted 20 mph speed limits across Newton Abbot.
Our proposal was an opportunity for us to study the benefits of 20 mph limits in terms of driver behaviour, road safety, air quality, reduction in carbon emissions and sustainable travel.
However, the results of the consultation showed most people dint support it – 79 per cent were opposed to the idea.
But the same consultation also showed that there was almost as equally strong support (77 per cent) for a more limited scheme in the immediate areas near schools.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management said: “
“We have worked closely with local members and our road safety team and have identified four areas for both mandatory 20mph limits and advisory limits.
“It has been designed in such a way that it will benefit students travelling to and from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Combeshead Academy, Decoy Community Primary School, Wolborough C of E Primary, Highweek Primary and Newton Abbot College.
“We would be grateful for any feedback or suggestions local residents, or businesses may have.”
Councillor Janet Bradford, the Local member for Newton Abbot South said:
“Residents have been listened to and an expectation of slower traffic on roads near our schools must be a benefit for our children.”
Councillor Phil Bullivant, the Local Member for Newton Abbot North said:
“It’s clear from the previous consultation that people do not want a blanket 20mph limit in the town but do support slower speeds outside schools.”
You can view and comment on the TRO from Thursday October 27 on DCC’s website.