Views are being sought on plans for six new 20mph zones to improve road safety around schools in Torbay

A consultation period has started today, Tuesday 7 May, for proposals on roads around the schools on busy routes in Torquay and Paignton.

The schools identified as priorities for the work all currently have advisory 20mph zones with flashing lights to warn motorists.

All the schools are located on or near roads with heavy traffic and a high level of pedestrian to vehicle conflict.

It is now proposed to put in mandatory 20mph speed limits in force at all times.

The proposed 20mph zones include some surrounding residential roads which see a high volume of use by school children.

Lower vehicle speeds contribute to improved road safety for all users, including pedestrians, by reducing the number and severity of collisions.

Slower vehicle speeds improve visibility for road users, allowing drivers to react more effectively to any unpredictable pedestrian movement.

Other benefits of lower speeds are decreased noise levels and less exhaust emissions, which improves air quality, benefitting the health of everyone in the area.

The new permanent zones will be in operation all the time and can be enforced by the police.

Cllr Adam Billings, Torbay Council's Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said: "We are determined to do everything we can to reduce road casualties and make Torbay as safe as it can be for pedestrians and all road users, especially around our schools and in the surrounding residential streets.

"These proposals are part of our ongoing work to improve road safety, and I invite you to share your views. We are particularly keen to hear from people who live in the six areas, and from parents who have children at the schools. This is your chance to influence how road safety measures in your community are brought forward."

The current proposals have been developed after a review of the Council's 20mph zones and speed limit strategy by the Transport and Parking Working Party.

The schemes are the next phase of our Road Safety Initiatives Programme following the introduction of a permanent 20mph zone in Torquay at Fore Street, Barton, and measures being progressed in the Queensway area of Torquay and the Fisher Street area of Paignton.

The proposed mandatory 20mph zones around schools complement other road safety initiatives in Torbay.

These include working with the Vision Zero South West partnership to deliver road safety lessons for primary school pupils, and through the Learn2Live road scheme aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds in full-time education.

Proposed new permanent 20mph zones around schools

Paignton

• Sacred Heart School (Cecil Road area) – Existing advisory 20mph zone in Cecil Road becomes mandatory, extends in Cecil Road west to Colley End Road west of Winner Street, and east to junction with Torquay Road, includes Cadwell Road, Cecil Mews (part).
• Hayes School (Totnes Road/Hayes Road area) – Existing advisory 20mph zone in Totnes Road to become mandatory and extends to junctions with Collingwood Road and Hayes Road. Existing mandatory 20mph zone in Hayes Road extends along St Michael's Road to Fisher Street, includes Whitely Road, Addison Road, Derrell Road (part), Batson Gardens.

Torquay

• Cockington School (Avenue Road and Mill Lane) – Existing advisory 20mph zones in Old Mill Road and Avenue Road become mandatory and zone extends through junction north on Avenue Road and east on Mill Lane.
• Barton Academy (Barton Hill Road area) – Existing advisory 20mph zone in Barton Hill Road becomes mandatory, includes Danvers Road, extends into part of Salisbury Avenue and Horace Road, extends north on Barton Hill Road to include roundabout at junction with Isaacs Road, includes junction with Happaway Road, includes Beechfield Avenue, Beechfield Place, Orchid Way, Willowfield Road, Suncrest Close, Ashleigh Close.
• Torquay Academy (Barton Road and Cricketfield Road areas) – Existing advisory 20mph zone in Cricketfield Road becomes mandatory, extends west to include roundabout at junction with Barton Road and Old Woods Hill, extends north on Barton Road to south of Audley Avenue, includes Kirkstead Road, Cricketers Green.
• St Cuthbert Mayne (Teignmouth Road and Westhill Road areas) – Existing advisory 20mph zone in Teignmouth Road becomes mandatory, extends south to include roundabout junctions at Westhill Road and Hele Road, includes Coombe Lane (part), extends on Teignmouth Road 100m north of junction with Trumlands Road, includes Trumlands Road to west of junction with Havelock Road, extends on Westhill Road to include existing advisory 20mph zones on Westhill Road which become mandatory. Existing advisory 20mph zone on St Margaret's Road remains in place.

How to have your say on the proposals

Anyone who wants to express their view about the proposals can take part in the consultation which runs from Tuesday 7 May to Sunday 9 June 2024.

You can complete an online survey available on our website which has more information including detailed maps of the proposed 20mph zones.

Full details and consultation survey: Mandatory 20mph zones at six schools in Paignton and Torquay (torbay.gov.uk)

Anyone unable to view and comment on the proposals online can find information in Torquay and Paignton libraries.

People living in the proposed 20mph zone areas will receive a letter with full details including how to share views on the proposals.

The results of this consultation will be considered before a decision is made on progressing the relevant Traffic Regulation Orders.