Views sought on 20mph speed limit across town
PROPOSALS to trial a blanket 20mph speed limit in Newton Abbot have been put out to consultation.
The Newton Abbot 20 informal consultation has been created by a partnership of Newton Abbot Town Council, Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council, with residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors asked for their views.
The survey, which runs until November 25, consists of 25 questions, as well as an interactive map.
If supported by the town, the Devon County Council trial is set to be carried out at some point in 2022 and will allow the testing of the full impact of an area-wide scheme.
The survey invites respondents to give their views on traffic flow and if they think drivers generally keep to the speed limit, exceed it, or drive below the speed limit. For those who choose to predominantly walk or cycle in the town, it also asks if they feel ‘confident’ when crossing the road or cycling on local roads.
The interactive map will give respondents an opportunity to leave their suggestions regarding the extent of the speed scheme.
Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet member for highways management, said: “To ensure that what we do is right for Newton Abbot, we need as many people as possible who live, work, or visit the town to give their views. What we do here in Newton Abbot will shape the county council’s future policy on speed throughout Devon.”
Cllr Mike Joyce, mayor of Newton Abbot, said: “The draft proposals are a starting point, it’s not the finished product, that’s where local people and businesses come in.
“Traffic and road safety is an issue that affects everyone – whether you are walking to school, cycling to work, or making deliveries in a van.”
Teignbridge District Council’s executive member for the environment, Cllr Jackie Hook, said: “20mph is now becoming increasingly common place in communities around the UK, with proven benefits for all road users and the community. Less road casualties, less noise and more cycling and walking helping to relieve congestion and cut air pollution.”