Yelverton transport hub gets green light

But parking tariffs will stay

A £80,000 scheme to improve pedestrian crossings, install more cycle stands and create better access to a busy bus and bike stop at Yelverton has been given the thumbs up.

But the introduction of a long stay tariff at the nearby village car park has been scrapped as the parish council believes it would have a bad impact on local shops.

West Devon Highways and Traffic Order Committee approved the design and construction of the project to enhance transport integration at Yelverton roundabout.

Coouncillors heard that the location is well-used by cyclists, particularly in the summer, because it is on the National Cycle Network and there are regular buses to Plymouth.

On-road cycle access to the bus stop is currently restricted and there is a single pedestrian crossing.

The proposals include adding a second one, allowing access to the bus stop from both ends of the car park.

Six new bike stands will be added and cyclists will be allowed to use the bus stop access road. New signage will be erected.

Lights at the bus stop will make it feel safer at night and electronic displays will provide information about buses.

The proposals are part of the government-funded Devon Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which underwent a consultation with key stakeholders from all tiers of local government, bus operators, user groups and public bodies in 2021.

Bus stop upgrades are taking place across the county to improve integration between bus services and other methods of transport with the aim to deliver sustainable transport options.

Devon County Council is match-funding £30,000 through its local transport plan.

Chairman of the committee Cllr Philip Sanders (Con, Devon County Council, Yelverton Rural) proposed the scheme be supported.

He said the original project which included a long stay car parking tariff was 100 per cent opposed by the parish council, businesses and residents.

It was feared that motorists would park there all day and travel by bus into Plymouth and therefore not spend money in Yelverton.

He said people parked in the village for a short time to pop into the shops, and it would not be as accessible if it was full of vehicles staying for long periods.

“The parish council view was at the moment that it works well as there is a high turnover of cars.”

A consultation will now be held. The £50,000 of government funding for the project has to be spent by March.