https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDEVONCC/bulletins/35a1c90

12th May 2023

An update following our invitation to Members and communities to submit expressions of interest for new 20mph speed limits

£150,000 was secured in our Road Safety Capital Allocation for a further tranche of 20mph speed limits in 2023/2024 (Cabinet meeting held 26th September 2022, Item 210)    It was anticipated that 6 further communities could benefit from new 20mph limits with this additional funding.

The deadline for expressions of interest was 31^st January 2023 and a total of new 57 submissions were made and assessed. Those communities that had already submitted their expression of interest in the previous year, were not required to do so again unless they wished to modify their proposal.

The Traffic Management Team have reviewed these against the framework agreed by Cabinet and placed schemes in priority order according to the adopted ranking system. The following sites have been identified for progression in this year’s programme:

These sites all were identified as priority sites via the scoring matrix, Dolton scoring highest points at 16, Cockwood scoring 14 and Uffculme, Dawlish, Black Torrington and Bridgerule scoring 13.

Scoring for the top 21 communities and a full list of the communities considered

The sites identified can be delivered within the available budget and next steps will be to undertake initial design work before working with Elected Members to agree final schemes for Advertisement. A safety audit on final designs will also be conducted.

The proposed schemes would be introduced through a legal order, the statutory consultation will be carried out in line with the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996. This includes a public notice placed in the local press and notification to statutory bodies (e.g. emergency services) of the proposals.

It is hoped that the County can continue to roll out the 20mph speed limits that are desired by our communities. In doing so helping to create the conditions for increased active travel for local trips by making walking and cycling safer and easier. This assists in reducing congestion by improving traffic flows; and reducing emissions by encouraging modal shift. We will update you as funding becomes available for further tranches.

Climate adaptation strategy consultation now open

The Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (DCIoS) Climate Adaptation Strategy is now open for consultation.   It is intended to help communities across the Southwest to better understand the risks their area might face in future, as climate change increasingly affects the UK. It will also help them to adapt to these changes, by identifying the parties responsible for ensuring community safety.   This is a crucial opportunity to comment on key climate issues on a local level and shape the region’s future in the face of the climate crisis.