The South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee was scheduled to meet on Friday, 6 March 2026, to discuss proposals for a new puffin crossing in Ivybridge and to review actions taken under delegated powers. The meeting's agenda also included a standing item on petitions and parking policy reviews.

Exeter Road (B3213), Ivybridge Puffin Crossing

A key item scheduled for discussion was the proposed construction of a new puffin crossing on Exeter Road (B3213) in Ivybridge. The report detailed plans for a signalised crossing between the junctions of Brook Road and Marshals Field, intended to replace an existing uncontrolled crossing. Exeter Road is a significant route through Ivybridge, connecting residential areas and the railway station to the town centre and the A38.

The report highlighted the proximity of Stowford Primary and Nursery School and Ivybridge Community College to the proposed crossing location. It noted that the current crossing facility is 90 metres east of Stowford School and is not on the direct route for pupils travelling from the west. The existing uncontrolled crossing consists of dropped kerbs and a narrow pedestrian refuge island, lacking tactile paving. A School Crossing Patrol (SCP) previously served this location but has not been replaced since 2020 due to recruitment difficulties.

The proposed puffin crossing would feature signal heads on the same side of the road as pedestrians, with sensors to detect when a crossing is complete. The scheme includes widening footways, installing signal columns, high friction surfacing on approaches, and tactile paving for visually impaired users. The report indicated that a Stage 1 and Stage 2 Road Safety Audit recommended additional waiting restrictions in the vicinity of the crossing.

The report outlined several options, including taking no action, continuing to seek an SCP, or delivering an alternative crossing type. A zebra crossing was deemed unsuitable due to vehicle flow exceeding recommended limits, and a toucan crossing was not considered appropriate due to the lack of cycling facilities on both sides of the road.

The scheme is presented as aligning with the council's Strategic Plan (2025-2029), particularly in improving safety outside schools and promoting sustainable travel. The estimated cost of the crossing is £170,000, with £100,000 secured from Active Travel England's Active Travel Fund 5, and the remainder planned from the 2026/27 Local Transport Grant.

Lack of Safe Crossing on St Peter's Way, Ivybridge

Councillor Victor Abbott had requested that the committee consider the lack of a safe crossing on St Peter's Way in Ivybridge. No further details on what was scheduled to be discussed regarding this item were available in the provided documents.

Petitions/Parking Policy Reviews

The committee was scheduled to consider petitions and parking policy reviews under Section 18 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, in line with the council's Petition Scheme. This item allows for the review of parking policies based on public petitions.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

A report was scheduled to be presented detailing actions taken under delegated powers by the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport. This report, CET/26/18, was to inform the committee of traffic regulation orders and schemes that had been progressed since the last meeting. One specific action mentioned was the implementation of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions and a parallel crossing road hump on Cornwood Road and Westover Lane in Ivybridge, following the advertisement of a traffic order and resolution of objections.