Torbay urged to 'be more Exeter' in drive towards net zero

Local Transport Plan aims to cut car travel

Torbay has been urged to ‘be more Exeter’ when it comes to cutting the number of cars on the roads.

Torbay Council's cabinet committee has rubber-stamped a new strategy for transport around the bay, with the emphasis on getting people out of cars.

They heard how Exeter had succeeded in moving more people towards make local journeys by bus.

Cllr Nick Bye (Con, Wellswood) told them: “Exeter is probably the most prosperous part of the south west. It’s going gangbusters, and the majority of Exeter residents don’t drive to work.

“It is quite a compact but rapidly developing city where they have made the transition away from reliance on the car.

“How can we all be a bit more like Exeter?”

Torbay’s plan takes it up to 2040, and emphasises easier and 'active' travel, better transport links and making town centres ‘safe and welcoming’. The bay aims to reach net zero carbon use by 2050.

The document has been produced in conjunction with Devon County Council. The two authorities are soon to be given devolved powers by the government as a Combined County Authority, and local transport will be one of the priorities for the new body.

The plan is to make travel in the county more sustainable, accessible, and efficient. Its key objectives include reducing emissions, improving road and rail infrastructure, and promoting what is known as active travel, which generally means anything that isn't a private vehicle.

Some key targets include Investing in electric vehicles, improving bus services, enhancing rail links and promoting active travel and cycling. Traffic congestion and emissions will be reduced.

The plan also emphasises the importance of public engagement and consultation.

“I’m delighted that we have been working together with Devon on this document,” said Cllr Chris Lewis (Con, Preston). “It’s important that we work together, and that we don’t see Torbay as an island on its own.”

Cllr Swithin Long (Lib Dem, Barton with Watcombe) pointed out that one in four people in Torbay (23 per cent) don't own cars, and called for bus services to be extended in areas such as The Willows, Hele and St Marychurch.

Cllr Bye said it is important for the council to engage with the cycling ‘lobby’, some of whom had been at a recent council meeting to protest at the axing of a cycle lane in the new Torquay harbourside development.

“I don’t think we have ever had such an organised group coming forward to represent cyclists,” he said. “I hope they will take part in the consultation over this plan. It’s all good news for the bay.”

The cabinet voted unanimously to consult on the plan.