Almost 750 people took part in the recent consultation on proposed traffic calming measures, which was carried out by Totnes Town Council on behalf of Devon County Council. The feedback will be used to determine if local people support Devon County Council’s proposal to narrow Fore Street in three places.
The suggested traffic calming measures for Fore Street were designed by Devon County Council in response to calls to make the road safer and to reduce the amount of traffic using the road. Devon County Council was told that many people do not feel safe on Totnes Fore Street and High Street due to the combination of narrow pavements and high volumes of often fast-moving traffic. The challenge of balancing the needs of the whole community, including residents and businesses in the high street, within a historic town setting were carefully considered. Devon County Council have put forward a proposal to narrow the road in three places to deter Fore Street being used as a short-cut and to slow down vehicles while still maintaining access for shopping, deliveries and servicing.
As well as the online survey which ran from 18 January 2022 to 31 March 2022, Totnes Town Council also held an in-person drop-in event at the Civic Hall in Totnes in February. People came along to find out more about the plans proposed for the town by Devon County Council and discuss their ideas directly with officers facilitating the consultation.
Catherine Marlton, Totnes Town Council Clerk said: “There have been repeated requests for action to be taken to reduce the speed and number of cars using the high street to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. It is not straightforward to come up with a solution that keeps everyone happy as there are many different needs within the community, and we must respect the historic nature of our town. By holding this consultation, we can be sure local people support Devon County Council’s proposal before taking any action. I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to complete our online survey to share their views. We’re now collating all these responses, including feedback from local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and Bob the Bus, so we can gauge whether the public would like these proposed measures to go ahead.”
“Councillors will examine the consultation report in May and feedback to Devon County Council. Devon County Council will need time to process this information and consider any changes needed to the proposals before any traffic calming measures can be implemented.”
For more information, please email Lucy Ferrier at info@visittotnes.co.uk or call 01803 862147.