New speed warning signs go live
It's hoped the change will reduce speeds across parts of Newton Abbot
Last updated 4th Nov 2022
New traffic calming measures have been unveiled in Newton Abbot.
The Vehicle Activated Signs are funded by a £10,000 grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, as part of the Vision Zero South West initiative.
Town Councillor Mike Joyce, who coordinates the local Speed Watch scheme, said: "Our new VAS are being rolled out for the first time on November 4 at the junction of Aller Brake Road and St Marychurch Road.
"I’ve chosen this spot as it’s one of the town’s busiest stretches and source of most complaints about speeding.
"Two other VAS units will be deployed on Ashburton Road where there are also concerns.
"It’s taken a while to acquire the new equipment so I’m very grateful to the Commissioner for providing the funds.
"Newton Abbot Town Council, under the Speed Watch scheme and in line with Vision Zero, will now be able to deploy the signs as and when it sees fit as part of our relentless efforts to make roads safe and reduce the dreadful impact on families and society that we know results from serious traffic incidents."
Projects similar to Vision Zero in other countries have produced a dramatic reduction in the number of casualties.
The multi-agency programme aims to eliminate all road deaths in the region by 2040.
According to Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, 47 people were killed and 647 were seriously injured on the two counties’ roads in 2021.