The Teignbridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss several road safety issues and traffic management proposals across the district. Key decisions included the progression of design work for a pedestrian crossing scheme in Dawlish and a commitment to further investigate the potential reopening of Teignmouth's Upper Den Carriageway for summer parking.

Dawlish Road Safety Issues

Significant attention was given to road safety concerns in Dawlish, particularly around Elm Grove Road, which were raised by Councillor Rosie Dawson. The committee heard from Dawlish College students who shared harrowing accounts of near misses and accidents involving pedestrians, including a serious incident in 2024. The students highlighted the daily impact of inadequate road safety measures on their journeys to and from college.

In response to the petition presented by local residents and schools, and Councillor Dawson's request, the committee resolved to bring a report to a future meeting detailing proposals for a pedestrian crossing scheme on Elm Grove Road. This report will also include other suitable road safety measures, such as the introduction of 20mph speed limits and discussions with Teignbridge District Council regarding the potential use of the Sandy Lane car park during school drop-off and pick-up times. The committee emphasised the importance of engaging with students and residents throughout the scheme's development and agreed that officers would advise the local County Councillor and stakeholders of any potential interim measures. The Road Safety Team Manager and Traffic Engineer indicated that scheme options could be ready by the end of the summer term, subject to securing a funding package.

Teignmouth, Upper Den Carriageway

The committee received an update on the Teignmouth Town Council's request to reopen the Upper Den Carriageway for parking during the summer months. A meeting had taken place on 10 March 2026 between the Town Council and County Council officers to discuss the results of the Town Council's summer consultation. Teignmouth Town Council would be responsible for all costs associated with the reopening, including design consultants and road safety audits.

The committee noted the current position, acknowledging previous decisions to keep the carriageway closed due to safety, environmental, and policy concerns. While the local County Councillor expressed a desire for an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to allow for a trial reopening, officers advised that this was not feasible within the current timeframe. The committee resolved that further investigation and discussions with the Town Council would be carried out before a full report was presented at the next meeting. Should the committee support the reopening in principle, a trial would be considered for the summer period of 2026.

Buckfastleigh/Buckfast, Plymouth Road (National Highways Closure Diversion)

Councillor Stuart Rogers BEM raised concerns regarding traffic and parking congestion in Buckfastleigh, particularly in older town centre properties lacking parking facilities, which had led to neighbourhood issues. He also highlighted speeding concerns arising from traffic diversions along Plymouth Road during periodic closures of the A38 by National Highways.

Officers noted the role of the District Council in addressing anti-social behaviour and the Traffic Engineer offered to discuss traffic and parking further with Councillor Rogers outside of the committee. Regarding speeding, the Road Safety Team Manager confirmed that speed monitoring could be arranged along Plymouth Road during A38 closures, in liaison with the police.

Newton Abbot (Outskirts), Ashburton Road (A383) Near Play Park - Speed Camera Installation

Councillor Rogers also raised queries about the speed camera installation on Ashburton Road, near a play park. Councillor Jacqueline Fry, the local County Councillor for the area, questioned the transparency and lawfulness of fines issued shortly after the camera's initial installation and before retrospective changes were made.

The Road Safety Team Manager explained that the speed camera was initially trialled due to excessive speed and a history of injury collisions at the site. Its success in reducing speed and casualties had led to it being made permanent. The committee noted that the County Council receives no income from fines, and the primary objective is road safety. Members expressed their support for the safety camera as an effective speed reduction measure, and the Newton Abbot Town Council's support was also noted.

Exminster, Traffic Management Proposals

The committee considered design work for traffic management interventions in Exminster aimed at reducing vehicle speeds and improving the environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and bus users. This followed a request from Exminster Parish Council for traffic calming and improved crossing facilities. The committee approved the progression of design work for the scheme, estimated at £70,000, and granted delegated authority to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport to agree funding with Exminster Parish Council. Members also requested to be advised on policy and guidance related to traffic speed matters raised during the discussion.

Petitions/Parking Policy Reviews

A petition signed by 842 local residents and schools concerning road safety on Exeter Road/Elm Grove in Dawlish was presented. The local County Councillor emphasised the strong local feeling regarding safety concerns and the accident record in the vicinity of the college and a neighbouring primary school. In line with the Council's Petition Scheme, officers will provide a written response to the petition organiser. This matter was further debated under Agenda Item 27, concerning Dawlish Road Safety Issues.

Bus Users and Stakeholders (BUS) Forum

The committee received minutes from the last meeting of the Bus Users and Stakeholders (BUS) Forum, held on 9 February 2026.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

The committee received a report detailing actions taken under delegated powers concerning traffic regulation orders in various locations across Teignbridge. This included noting the success of measures implemented at Cromwells Way and Abbey Road, Bovey Tracey, to improve safety outside the primary school. A specific action taken in the Teigngrace area was also noted.