Tavistock&Villages Initiative

The A386 between Tavistock and Plymouth is busy and, away from the designated crossings, pedestrians frequently have to wait a long time to cross the road. For example, it is not uncommon to see Westbridge cottagers trying to cross for the Texaco petrol station opposite or golfers waiting to cross on Roborough Down. As the Highways Authority, Devon County Council regularly reviews needs and there have been some new crossings introduced as a result.

There are many country lanes in the area used for informal recreation as well as local travel, by walkers, cyclists and riders. Generally, vehicle drivers proceed along them with caution but there have been many instances where speed has caused, or nearly caused, an accident. The consequence is that walkers, cyclists and riders feel less safe than they should and are tending to abandon some lanes. This is particularly evident on the main approaches to rural settlements where walking and cycling, as alternatives to car journeys, could be of most benefit to sustainable living patterns.

	T3.3 Particular locations where there is conflict between pedestrians and cars
	The A386 between Tavistock and Plymouth is busy and, away from the designated crossings, pedestrians frequently have to wait a long time to cross the road. For example, it is not uncommon to see Westbridge cottagers trying to cross for the Texaco petrol station opposite or golfers waiting to cross on Roborough Down. As the Highways Authority, Devon County Council regularly reviews needs and there have been some new crossings introduced as a result. There are many country lanes in the area used for informal recreation as well as local travel, by walkers, cyclists and riders. Generally, vehicle drivers proceed along them with caution but there have been many instances where speed has caused, or nearly caused, an accident. The consequence is that walkers, cyclists and riders feel less safe than they should and are tending to abandon some lanes. This is particularly evident on the main approaches to rural settlements where walking and cycling, as alternatives to car journeys, could be of most benefit to sustainable living patterns.
	‘Reduce speed in Dolvin Road.’ Comment from community consultation events 2002 ‘As a frequent car driver through Mary Tavy, I have had many instances of cars, usually large, vans and small lorries overtaking me in the speed restriction areas. Anyone who lives beside a main road that is subjected to speed abuse will feel fear, anxiety …… and anger against these perpetrators’ Letter to Tavistock Times, 3rd July 2003 ‘The introduction of the 30mph speed limit at Mary Tavy has made a big difference as most cars do at least slow down, even if not quite to the limit. But there are still many vehicles that far exceed that limit…. The main culprits are definitely lorries and motorbikes.’ Letter to Tavistock Times, 3rd July 2003
	Strategic Aims: Travel and transport; Deter speeding on country roads Travel and transport; Improve footpath and cycle path links