Totnes: should it be calmed?

Plans to narrow Fore Street and High Street

Almost 750 people have given their views on controversial plans for traffic calming measures in Totnes. 

Totnes Town Council carried out the consultation on behalf of Devon County Council following calls to reduce the amount of traffic; especially on Fore Street.

Feedback from the consultation will be used to determine if local people are happy with proposals to narrow the street in three places to 2.2 metres which would allow HGVs through but would force smaller vehicles to slow down.

Some traders have criticised the plans, saying they are unnecessary. Totnes Chamber of Commerce says it won’t support the plans. 

Devon County Council was told many people do not feel safe on Totnes Fore Street and High Street because of the combination of narrow pavements and high volumes of often fast-moving traffic.

As well as the online consultation at the start of this year, Totnes Town Council also held a drop-in event at the civic hall in Totnes so residents could discuss the ideas directly with council officers.

Catherine Marlton, Totnes Town Council clerk, said: “There have been repeated requests for action to be taken to reduce the speed and number of cars using the high street to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. 

“It is not straightforward to come up with a solution that keeps everyone happy as there are many different needs within the community, and we must respect the historic nature of our town. 

“By holding this consultation, we can be sure local people support Devon County Council’s proposal before taking any action. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to complete our online survey to share their views. 

“We’re now collating all these responses, including feedback from local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and Bob the Bus, so we can gauge whether the public would like these proposed measures to go ahead.”

The findings will now be collated and examined by councillors in May before being fed back to Devon County Council. 

The county will consider any changes to the original proposals before any traffic calming measures can be put in place.