Traffic lights are being trialled for six weeks at a notorious pinch-point in Starcross that often causes long queues of traffic, particularly in the summer months when tourists flock to local seaside areas. Devon County Council (DCC) has confirmed traffic lights will be activated along the section on the A379 on Monday, February 12.
The scheme will run until Thursday, March 28, and its aim is to see if it results in improved conditions for all road users through the historic pinch-point at the 18th Century Courtenay Arms Mews.
The width of the section of the road makes it difficult for vehicles, particularly HGVs, to pass easily and often leads to queuing traffic at peak times. Currently, two-way traffic flows on the road past Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club pass in close proximity to pedestrians using narrow footways.
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The trial of temporary lights, which has been partly funded by councillor Alan Connett’s locality budget, is an opportunity to test and learn how a signal-controlled solution will perform.
The signals will be activated by detecting moving traffic - vehicle-actuated - allowing vehicles to travel in a single direction at a time on the Strand. There will also be a signal phase for traffic from the New Road arm of the junction.
Lights will be located just south of the Courtenay Arms Mews car park on the northern side and adjacent to the Galleon Inn on the southern side. During the trial, DCC will be monitoring the effects, including traffic volumes, queuing and recording traffic using alternative routes.
People will also be able to share their trial experiences via a consultation page on the council's website.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for Highway Management, said: “In my cabinet member role and as vice chair of Vision Zero South West, I support schemes that aim to improve safety for all road users and this route has historically been a poor performing route compared with similar rural A and B roads.
"While several schemes have been explored in the past, there has been no obvious solution due to the physical, historic constraints in the centre of Starcross. We want people to share their experiences of this trial, both as a driver using the route and as a pedestrian accessing local shops, facilities, the rail station and the Exe Estuary Trail.”
Councillor Alan Connett, county councillor for Exminster and Haldon, added: “There have been concerns for many years about traffic through the village. A trial scheme will demonstrate whether lights are a possible solution to help manage traffic through the village, especially at the Pillars.
"The six-week trial will show whether traffic lights really would work, or if they would cause different problems and residents will be able to feedback on their views about the trial.”
To take part in the consultation, the Have Your Say page can be found by clicking here.
