Newton Abbot says no to 20mph

Resounding rejection of town-wide limit

A Devon town has rejected the idea of lowering speed limits on all its streets to 20 mph. 

Residents in Newton Abbot were asked what they thought of the idea in a public consultation.

The answer has come back as generally 'not much.'

But people do back the 20 mph limit outside schools and nurseries.

Almost 1,500 people responded to the consultation.

People rejected the town-wide cutting of the limit on residential roads by a 54:46 ratio - exactly the same as Teignbridge vote for Leave in the Brexit referendum in 2016.

On main roads, only 21 per cent of respondents supported a 20 mph limit, with 79 per cent again.

Speed limits of 20 mph are becoming more common across the country. Some people argue it's safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Others believe that petrol and diesel vehicles emit more carbon at lower speeds.

Devon County Council will now consider what can be done to support reduced speeds outside schools and nurseries in Newton Abbot. Any new scheme will be subject to the normal legal consultation process.

The council also wants other areas to let them know if they would like to be considered for a 20 mph zone and will be pressing ahead with schemes in other parts of the county.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highways management said: “We said, from the outset, that this scheme would be shaped by those who live and work in Newton Abbot and its delivery depended on their support. We have asked the residents and we have listened to what they have told us; the majority do not want a community wide scheme.

“However, it is also clear that a large majority of people continue to have concerns about vehicle speeds outside schools and nurseries and now we will now consider what we can deliver to reflect this. We hope to be able to present our initial ideas early next year.

“It’s important to say the result of this consultation does not preclude schemes in other areas if that is what people want. We are committed to moving ahead with schemes in the coming year as discussed at cabinet on 8 December.  We have received many requests for 20mph speed limits and we will be prioritising the communities that would benefit the most from lower vehicle speeds."

Councillor Phil Bullivant, County Councillor for Newton Abbot North, said: “The conclusion from public consultation carried out by Devon County Council has enabled the proposals for reduced speed limits in Newton Abbot to be focussed towards improving safety around our schools rather than on a town wide scheme.

“Listening to the voice of the public and delivering a solution that they support was a promise made by the Devon team looking at this initiative and will now be the way forward for Newton Abbot."

Councillor Janet Bradford, County Councillor for Newton Abbot South, said: "'NewtonSaysNo' to a blanket 20mph speed limit and it has subsequently been withdrawn. Devon County Council has listened to the voice of the people. The people who responded to the survey also wanted 20 mph outside of schools, nurseries and pre-schools and DCC will be looking at this in 2022.  Councils must listen to the people who elected them."

Councillor Mike Joyce, mayor of Newton Abbot, said: “The results of the public consultation could not be any clearer, residents of Newton Abbot would welcome speed reductions in parts of the town but not a blanket 20mph limit.

“From the various consultations that have taken place over the last six months, I am confident that the wishes expressed will be respected by the highways authority."