Hartland road campaign success

A CAMPAIGN to improve the safety of the road leading into Hartland village has proved successful, with new speed limits being introduced to protect pedestrians. The road from Eastdown Park into Hartland village is used by residents walking their children

A CAMPAIGN to improve the safety of the road leading into Hartland village has proved successful, with new speed limits being introduced to protect pedestrians.

The road from Eastdown Park into Hartland village is used by residents walking their children to Hartland Primary School. However, with a 60mph speed limit, and a number of near misses, residents feared that it was only a matter of time before a serious or fatal accident occurred.

Working with Hartland and Bradworthy ward Councillor, Adam Symons, local residents put together a petition to present to the County Council, asking for a change to the speed limit and improvements to pavements. They presented evidence of the need to improve the safety of the road, and lobbied for a new speed limit.

With the new 40mph speed limit now introduced they are hoping that the county council carries out further improvements to make the road safer.

Cllr Symons said: "We demonstrated to Devon County Council that this road was just not safe and we are delighted to have a new speed limit. However, we hope that Devon keeps its commitment to put in a new partial footpath and a priority lane, which will allow safe passage into the village. These improvements are essential, especially once the 18 affordable homes at Teaky Park are built. With increasing numbers of children at Eastdown Park, we want to make sure that there is a safe way for children to walk or cycle to the primary school."

Newly elected Hartland councillor, Brian Redwood said: "I fully support the work that Cllr Symons is doing. Completing this project will help to ease the problems with congestion around the school. People in Hartland are very environmentally aware and want to reduce car use. So having a safe route to allow people to walk to the village is critical if we want to encourage this.