Plea for review of speed limit

SOUTH HAMS ROAD 'DANGEROUS' AT 40MPH, MEETING IS TOLD

- OLLIE HEPTINSTALL

THE speed limit along a "dangerous" stretch of road in the South. Hams will be reviewed again following concerns from councillors. Highways officers had advised Devon County Council's ruling cabinet against a "departure from policy" to lower limits along the A3121 in Ermington, but it has now deferred the decision after unease from members.

The stretch of main road passes through the bottom of the village, which includes a care home, and is currently 40mph. Locals think this should be reduced to 30mph.

A South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting earlier this year heard concerns that the road hinders residents' ability to safely access areas and facilities in the village and public rights of way, while they also said it was discouraging cycling and walking in the area.

However, a road safety audit suggested the current limit is correct and that a lower limit "may cause a potential safety hazard as some drivers may not adhere to a speed they considered to be inappropriately low compared to other similar routes."

Local councillor Dan Thomas (Lib Dem, South Brent & Yealmpton) said surveys revealed the 85th percentile [the speed at which or below 85 per cent of drivers travel] showed motorists going at 38mph, below the speed limit of 40.

But Cllr Thomas told the cabinet meeting on Wednesday: "When the residents are asking for a reduction down to 30, the fact that motorists are driving at 38 is of little comfort."