Upgrade for Torquay danger junction

Pedestrians don't feel safe crossing

Traffic lights are to be upgraded at a Torquay junction where people are warnin a serious accident is inevitable.

Torbay councillor Cordelia Law (Lib Dem, Tormohun) lodged an official question with the council last week calling for action at the junction near the gates of Torre Abbey.

She wants action taken before near misses at the notorious road junction turn into tragedy. The junction has six roads leading into it, with traffic lights controlling the flow of traffic. Walnut Road, Avenue Road, Falkland Road, The King’s Drive and the entrance road to Torre Abbey all feed into the junction, with Falkland Road coming from two directions.

There are no pedestrian crossings on the busy junction.

Cllr Law said: “Some people say they feel unsafe to get to Torre Abbey gates, and the current layout seems to encourage drivers to take chances they wouldn’t normally take at other junctions.

“It is only a matter of time before one of the near misses results in a tragedy.”

Cllr Law said the previous Lib Dem/Independent administration on the council had committed to act on the crossing, and the current Conservative administration should make it a priority.

In a written answer Cllr Adam Billings (Con, Churston with Galmpton) said: “A study has been commissioned to look at options and potential traffic impacts for this junction, including the impacts of including pedestrian facilities.

“The results of the study will be considered as part of proposals to upgrade the traffic signals at this location.”