Devon County Council, in partnership with Torbay Council is holding a series of roadshows to publicise the latest developments in the South Devon Link Road project.
The scheme is competing for government funding with other transport schemes across the UK.
Leader of Devon County Council, John Hart said: “It is vital for South Devon’s economic growth that the bid for funding is successful. We face stiff competition, but we believe the case for the South Devon Link Road is compelling.
“We need to show the government that there is widespread support for the scheme, so we want people to come to the roadshows, find out more and tell us what they think.”
Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver said: “The inadequate road system is stifling growth and keeping wages low. Torbay’s wage economy is 379th out of 380 in the country.
“We want to bring investment, new jobs and development into the area – in fact it is crucial we do so as Torbay is the second largest resort in Britain and the link road would provide us with a huge benefit to the tourism industry.“
The scheme’s backers are also keen to show that the benefits will not just be economic. They anticipate that the improved transport system, as well as dramatically reducing congestion will improve road safety, enable better public transport and make a significant impact on air quality.
Paul Ewings, Devon County Council’s project manager for the scheme said: “At present, many surrounding roads are used as rat runs by drivers wishing to avoid traffic jams. It means inappropriate roads are exposed to higher volumes of traffic, causing an increase in road safety hazards for children and vulnerable people including non-car users. The scheme will be a catalyst for more sustainable public transport services and improvements. This will also help to reduce the volume of traffic on the roads and make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
“The scheme would also cut air pollution problems as vehicles are routed away from sensitive areas and residential developments. As a result there will be improved air quality which will reduce the risk of associated health problems.”
The economic benefits were outlined in a recent piece of research by ERS *, and show how the lack of access is limiting economic growth in the Bay. With 134,000 people reliant on the road to get in and out, and even more traffic bringing in supplies, workers, shoppers, tourists and students, the road is under extreme pressure. It can’t take any more traffic than it already does, so growth can’t happen.
Employers and businesses are clear that they need reliable and dependable transport networks. And without it, some of them are being forced to relocate, taking valuable jobs with them.
Alan Taylor, Managing Director of Blue Chip Holidays, which markets over 300 high-end self-catering properties on the English Riviera and South Devon commented:
“Visitors are easily put off by poor connectivity. If their abiding memory is one of traffic jams, you have to ask the question: will they choose to return or will they choose to holiday somewhere else with better road links. Our goal has to be to remove barriers to tourism and the lack of a South Devon link road is undoubtedly a
barrier.
“Last year over £8.6 million was brought into Torbay and South Devon by Blue Chip Holidays’ customers and this year we have seen a 20% increase in bookings bringing many more thousands of pounds into the local economy. If we accept that visitors are likely to be put off by worsening congestion and bottlenecks at the end of a long journey, we have to consider what could be lost as a result of worsening traffic.
“Conversely, we have to ask just how much extra income could be bought into the economy if the South Devon link road were in place. While it is difficult to put an absolute figure on this you only have to look at the transformation of the tourism industry once the A30 was duelled through Cornwall. Suddenly the county became truly accessible and the contribution of tourism to the Cornish economy shot through the roof.
“If we are to attract more tourists bringing in greater revenue to the benefit of thousands of local businesses, we have to get behind the campaign for the new South Devon link road.”
Councilllor John Hart continued: “We want to know what residents, commuters and road users think of the proposals. Even if someone is not in agreement with the scheme, it’s still important that we know why. So come to the roadshows or get in touch with us.”
Exhibition dates:
20 June Riviera Conference Centre, Torbay 2pm - 8pm
21 June Kingskerswell Primary School 4pm - 8pm
22 June Old Forde House, Newton Abbot 3pm - 8pm
25 June Union Square Shopping Centre, Torbay 10am - 4pm
27 June St Luke's Church Hall, Milber, Newton Abbot 4pm - 8pm
For more information or to let the Council know what you think contact, Paul Ewings, Devon County Council, Matford Offices, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD, or email sdlr@coastmarcoms.co.uk
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