Traffic is coming back to Paignton's 'Golden Mile'

U-turn on controversial Paignton town centre car ban

Paignton’s Torbay Road is to re-open fully to two-way traffic after Easter, bringing an end to 18 months of angry protests.

The failed pedestrianisation scheme has cost Torbay Council up to £400,000.

But the council’s leadership has been criticised for the way it went about making the decision to let cars back into the road, often called the town’s ‘Golden Mile’.

Ward councillor Nigel Penny (Liberal Democrat, Roundham with Hyde) said; “It’s a fiasco. This sets Paignton backwards rather than looking forwards.”

The busy road, which is home to many of the resort’s tourist gift shops, cafes and bars, was closed to cars in September 2022 after a public consultation came out in favour of pedestrianisation.

Supporters said the move would make the street safer for pedestrians and would cut pollution, but businesses saw takings tumble. One long-standing trader said on one day he had taken no money at all for the first time in decades running a shop in the road.

In December 2022 the traders took banners into the street in a protest which drew national publicity.

The pedestrianisation scheme - which was officially a lengthy trial - was introduced under the council’s previous Liberal Democrat/Independent leadership, and Conservative candidates promised changes if they were elected in the council polls last year.

Last May the Conservatives duly took over the council, and quickly started making changes, allowing limited one-way traffic back.

Now they are going all the way, and reintroducing two-way traffic.

Deputy council leader Chris Lewis (Con, Preston) announced on Facebook: “Yes we are opening the road as soon as possible, returning it to how it was - we have listened and will deliver.”

And leader David Thomas (Con, Preston) told the BBC: “We have consulted literally with thousands of people. We are re-opening Torbay Road in both directions.”

He said the timing of the original trial ‘wasn’t the best’, coming soon after the pandemic when businesses were already struggling.

“Anything else added at that particular time was not helpful,” he said.

Cllr Penny said going back to the original two-way layout would not help Paignton adapt to modern expectations and challenges.

He went on: “If we stand still, the rest of the world will not wait for us to catch up. Look at how the Esplanade is changing with new hotels and the new Costero Lounge.

“I understand not everyone would agree with whatever option was chosen. Even partial pedestrianisation, one-way traffic, allows people not to have to step out onto the road, gives a little extra space for traders and begins to address the future.

“Doing nothing – particularly after all this uncertainty - does not.”

And fellow ward councillor Christine Carter (Lib Dem, Roundham with Hyde) said the decision had been made behind closed doors, without listening to other residents or local councillors.

“This is not a way to run a democratic system that is the council,” she said. “This is a dictatorship.”