The West Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee was scheduled to consider proposals for local waiting restrictions and review highway safety measures. The committee was also scheduled to receive updates on actions taken under delegated powers and from the Bus Users and Stakeholders Forum.

Local Waiting Restriction Programme

The committee was scheduled to consider the Local Waiting Restriction Programme, specifically focusing on proposals for The Nook, Laburnum Cottages, and The Lawn in Tavistock. A report detailed that a proposal to introduce No Waiting At Any Time restrictions in this area had been advertised. The report indicated that 86 responses were received, with 81 objections and only 4 in support. The primary reasons for the proposed restrictions were to prevent obstructive parking and improve access for emergency vehicles. However, the report recommended that the committee agree not to progress this particular proposal, citing the significant number of objections received.

The report outlined various objections from residents, including concerns about the impact on parking for residents, particularly those with mobility issues or requiring frequent access to their vehicles for medical appointments or work. Residents also raised concerns about the potential displacement of parking to other areas, the impact on visitors and carers, and the perceived lack of clear justification for the blanket restrictions. Suggestions from residents included a meeting to identify specific pinch points, targeted restrictions, and the possibility of a permit scheme.

The officer's comments acknowledged the objections and noted that while some parking locations had caused complaints due to obstruction and damage, the proposals would not affect the majority of residents. The report also addressed concerns about emergency access, stating that vehicles are permitted to stop on double yellow lines for loading or unloading, and that the proposed restrictions would keep the area at the end of The Nook clear for better vehicle turning.

Highways Safety Measures at Iron Railings Cross, Haye Down, Tavistock

The committee was scheduled to consider highway safety measures at Iron Railings Cross, Haye Down, Tavistock. A report indicated that three injury collisions had occurred at this location between 2021 and 2025, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. Reviews had identified contributory factors, including issues with satellite navigation systems providing incorrect instructions on approach.

Interventions that had been implemented included enhanced signage for vehicles approaching from the north-east and the provision of additional Give Way signing for vehicles travelling from the south-west. The report also noted that Google Maps had accepted a correction for Iron Railings Cross following testing, and efforts were ongoing to secure corrections from TomTom and Apple. A wider project involving multiple authorities and organisations was continuing to address this issue. The recommendation was for the committee to note the contents of the report and the implemented road safety measures.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

The committee was scheduled to receive a report detailing actions taken under delegated powers since the previous meeting on 29 June 2026. This report, prepared by the Interim Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport, listed traffic regulation orders that had been progressed. These included making permanent an experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on Station Road, Okehampton, to introduce No Waiting At Any Time restrictions. Objections had been resolved and restrictions made permanent following consultation.

Additionally, the extension of a 30mph speed limit on the B3260, Okehampton, by virtue of street lighting, was advertised, with objections resolved and restrictions implemented after consultation. The introduction of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions at Heritage Park, Tavistock, as part of the Local Waiting Restrictions Programme Tranche 1, had also been implemented following delegated decisions and site meetings. Finally, the introduction of a bus gate and upgrades to existing restrictions in Yelverton were advertised, with objections resolved and restrictions implemented after consultation.

Petitions/Parking Policy and Review

The committee was scheduled to consider petitions and any reviews of parking policy sought in line with the Council's Petition Scheme, as per Section 18 of the Traffic Management Act 2004¹.

Bus Users and Stakeholders (BUS) Forum

A verbal update was scheduled to be received from the committee's representative on the Bus Users and Stakeholders (BUS) Forum. Summaries of previous Forum meetings were available on the Travel Devon website.