The South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 3 November 2026 to discuss proposals for a local waiting restriction programme and the potential installation of a puffin crossing on Bridgetown Hill in Totnes. The committee will also receive updates on the Bus Users and Stakeholders Forum and the Slapton Line.

Local Waiting Restriction Programme

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on the Local Waiting Restriction Programme Tranche 3¹. This programme involves a review of proposed new or amended waiting restrictions across various locations within the South Hams area. The report pack details numerous specific locations, including roads in Salcombe, Wembury, Staverton, Dartington, Totnes, Dartmouth, Malborough, Stoke Gabriel, Kingswear, Ivybridge, Bantham, and Brixton. For each location, the report outlines the proposed changes, such as introducing No Waiting At Any Time restrictions, limited waiting periods, or revoking existing restrictions. The stated reasons for these proposals vary, but commonly include preventing obstructive parking, improving visibility, maintaining traffic flow, and enhancing pedestrian safety. The report also includes summaries of consultations and representations received for each proposal, along with officer comments and recommendations. For example, in Malborough, proposals for Higher Town are being considered, with a significant number of objections raised by residents concerned about the loss of parking and potential displacement. Similarly, on Ermington Road, Ivybridge, there are numerous objections from local businesses and residents regarding the loss of parking, with concerns about the impact on livelihoods and accessibility. The committee will be asked to note the work on the programme and agree to the recommendations contained within Appendix 2 of the report.

Bridgetown Hill Puffin Crossing

The committee is also scheduled to consider proposals for a puffin crossing on Bridgetown Hill (A385), Totnes. The report indicates that this busy road carries a high volume of traffic, with recorded speeds exceeding the 30mph limit. Local concerns about crossing difficulties were raised via a petition, leading to a site visit and the development of options for a controlled crossing. The proposal is to approve the detailed design and construction of a puffin crossing, estimated to cost up to £322,000. This would involve the installation of traffic signals, pedestrian push-button units, tactile paving, and high-friction surfacing. The scheme also necessitates the relocation of existing bus stops on both sides of Bridgetown Hill to improve visibility and safety. The report highlights that a puffin crossing is considered the most suitable option due to traffic flows and speeds, and that the proposed location is the only viable one that maintains the required visibility for traffic signals. The proposal aligns with the Devon County Council Strategic Plan 2025–2029, aiming to improve pedestrian access to bus services, support walking and bus travel, and enhance connectivity for residents.

Other Matters

The committee will also receive an update from the committee representative on the Bus Users and Stakeholders (BUS) Forum. Additionally, there will be a Slapton Line Update, providing information on issues related to this specific location. An item on Petitions/Parking Policy Reviews is also on the agenda, which will be taken under Section 18 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, relating to any reviews of parking policy sought in line with the Council's Petition Scheme.