The A386 is the main road through the area. It passes very close to the centre of Tavistock and some villages, as well as through large tracts of the Dartmoor National Park. This introduces conflicting pressures between the need to provide for unimpeded traffic movements and the need to respect the outstanding natural and built environments. South of Tavistock, there is a continual stream of traffic at peak times; it is generally free-moving except by Bedford Square and on the northern outskirts of Plymouth where congestion causes delays. Ways of reducing car-commuting volumes need to be found, together with sensitive road improvements to address the congestion hot-spots.

Away from the A386, there is an extensive network of country roads and lanes. They are generally lightly-trafficked although several experience strong daily flows at each end of the day, particularly around schools. There is ongoing conflict between motor vehicles and walkers, cyclists and riders on many country and village roads, which is caused by some drivers travelling without sufficient regard for others. Apart from safety concerns, this devalues the recreational qualities and visitor appeal of the country road network. On Dartmoor, animals are frequently run over on unfenced roads, despite the existence of a 40 mph speed limit.

Car parking sees competing demands for a limited amount of space in the centre of Tavistock and many villages. Opportunities to create more parking spaces are also limited but should still be sought as part of good urban design; for example, basement parking could be appropriate for some developments.

There are strong feelings that the bus service between Tavistock and Plymouth is indifferent to passenger needs and more people are opting to go by car as a result. Fewer passengers inevitably lead to reduced timetables, a further drift away from the buses and more car traffic. Yet, despite the problems, there remains a real need for good car-free transport between Tavistock and Plymouth, and the right formula needs to be found with the operators.

Between Tavistock and the villages, travel requirements are more varied and harder to meet. Some villages have a clear need for a regular bus link while others, with fewer passengers, might be better served by having a Ring-and-Ride type of provision. A common problem for all bus travel is knowing where and when to catch them. Timetables are revised every six months; they are not always well displayed at bus stops and real-time travel information is not available. Of equal importance, bus shelters are frequently dirty, lacking in space or weather protection, or non-existent.

While several bus problems could be remedied, they will always be cramped inside and subject to traffic hold-ups. A train service would provide an attractive alternative and could be built relatively easily since the seven-mile length of disused railway line between Bere Alston and Tavistock has been safeguarded for transport use in the local plan. A railway connection would also support sustainable tourism aims.

There are some long distance footpaths and cycle routes in the area, which attract people on walking or cycling holidays but are also available for local use. The Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route should be completed to its final standard by 2006 when it will be among the finest off-road cycle touring routes anywhere. In addition to the long-distance networks, many short paths exist but there are several missing links which force their users back onto busy roads or to make a long detour. This is a particular problem in Tavistock, and between Yelverton and Dousland.

The main forms of transport above do not cover every need and there are large sections of the community, especially among the young, old and disabled, who need a more tailored provision. This will require active listening and creative responses.

Against this background, the Tavistock and Villages Initiative will work to:

Strategic aims	Supporting Projects	Health Check references
Reduce traffic volumes and ease congestion	Reopen railway to Tavistock	Distance and car journey times to Plymouth Improvements planned for local/regional highways Congested junctions or parts of the local road network
Deter speeding on country roads		Particular locations where there is conflict between pedestrians and cars
Increase car-parking spaces		Car-parking patterns
Improve the bus service between Tavistock and Plymouth	Bus shelters	Changing between public transport nodes Public transport travel times to Plymouth Car and public transport comparisons when travelling to Plymouth Ease of obtaining information about public transport Causes of delay to buses
Introduce new forms of transport services for rural communities	Tavistock Hoppa bus service	Improvements planned for public transport infrastructure and services Convenience of bus and train times for journeys to work and school Ease of obtaining information about public transport Last evening bus services
Improve bus stops and bus shelters	Bus shelters	Ease of obtaining information about public transport
Reopen railway to Tavistock	Reopen railway to Tavistock	Location of railway station Frequency of rail services
Improve footpath and cycle path links	Yelverton walks Drake’s Trail Town signage	Particular locations where there is conflict between pedestrians and cars Location of main foot and cycle paths
Identify and respond to special transport needs	Tavistock Hoppa bus service	Need to travel to take part in certain sports