The Teignbridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 12 March 2026, was set to discuss several traffic and road safety matters across the Teignbridge district. Key topics included potential changes to parking on Teignmouth's Upper Den Carriageway, road safety concerns in Dawlish, and traffic management proposals in Buckfastleigh and Newton Abbot.

Teignmouth, Upper Den Carriageway

The committee was scheduled to receive a report from the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport regarding discussions with Teignmouth Town Council. These discussions concerned the Town Council's request to open the Upper Den Carriageway for parking during the summer months. Previous decisions by the committee in July 2022 and March 2023 had resulted in the carriageway remaining closed, with a further decision in November 2024 to keep it closed until further consultation. Councillor Rosie Dawson (Vice Chair of the Council) and Councillor Colin Parker were noted as supporting further investigation and discussions with the Town Council, with a potential trial for summer 2026 if the committee supported the reopening in principle.

Dawlish Road Safety Issues

Councillor Rosie Dawson had raised concerns regarding road safety in Dawlish, specifically relating to the A379, its junction with Elm Grove Road, and issues affecting college students. The report pack indicated this item was raised in accordance with Standing Order 23(2).

Buckfastleigh/Buckfast, Plymouth Road Diversion

Councillor Stuart Rogers BEM had requested the committee consider the impact of a temporary diversion and speeding on Plymouth Road in Buckfastleigh and Buckfast, which is also related to Councillor Thomas's division within the South Hams Hatoc area. Councillor Rogers was also requesting a traffic management review for the town. This matter was also raised in accordance with Standing Order 23(2).

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

Queries regarding the installation of a speed camera on Ashburton Road (A383) near a play park in Newton Abbot were scheduled for discussion, following a request from Councillor Stuart Rogers BEM. Councillor Jacqueline Fry is the local County Councillor for this location. The report pack noted that the speed limit remained unchanged at 30mph in this built-up, residential area, which has two pedestrian crossings, a well-used play park, and three schools in the vicinity.

Exminster, Traffic Management Proposals

The committee was to consider design work for traffic management interventions in Exminster, aimed at reducing vehicle speeds and improving the environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and bus users along the Main Road corridor. This initiative followed a request from Exminster Parish Council in 2024 for traffic calming and improved crossing facilities. The report pack noted that the local County Councillor, while supporting the recommendations, questioned why a 20mph speed limit was not included for Milbury Lane and its offshoots. The Parish Council was also proposing to implement a new 20mph speed limit on Days Pottles Lane. The progression of design work was estimated to cost £70,000, with a funding agreement to be arranged with Exminster Parish Council.

Bus Users and Stakeholders (BUS) Forum

An update was scheduled to be received from the committee's representative on the Devon BUS Forum, following recent meetings or developments.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

A report from the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport was to be presented, detailing actions taken in respect of traffic regulation orders under delegated powers since the last meeting. This included the formalisation of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions on the road from Teignbridge Gate to Gallows Cross, Teigngrace, following consultation with the Local County Councillor and HATOC Chair, as no objections were received.

Local Waiting Restriction Programme

The committee was to consider proposals for new or amended waiting restrictions, which had been advertised and for which responses had been received. The report indicated that proposals without objections would be implemented, while objections received would be addressed with recommendations. These proposals aimed to rationalise parking, support sustainable travel, and improve safety for pedestrians and other road users.

Ogwell to Newton Abbot Shared Use Path Phase 2

The committee was to consider proposals for a shared use path linking Ogwell Village and Bakers Park to Newton Abbot town centre. This scheme is part of the adopted Heart of Teignbridge Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). The report highlighted the poor and inconsistent existing provision for walking, wheeling, and cycling along the busy A381. The resolution proposed approving the construction of Phase 2a, b and c at an estimated cost of £317,494, and the progression of design work for Phase 2d.

Calendar of Meetings

The committee was to note the calendar of future meetings, with scheduled dates for Thursday, 23 July 2026, Thursday, 12 November 2026, and Thursday, 18 March 2027, all commencing at 10:30 am.