Cllr. David Thomas: Trying to make our roads safer for all

As we head into the final days of the school summer holidays, many Torbay families are making the final return to school preparations. Many will have children heading to school for the first time, others will have children transitioning from primary to secondary school.
The school journey is a perfect opportunity for children and young people to learn about their local area, develop wider social networks, gain independence, and learn about road safety. One in five cars on the road during the morning peak are doing the school run. Walking, cycling, scooting or car sharing can not only reduce congestion on our roads, but it can also make the air quality better with less exhaust emissions.
To encourage more people to use active travel methods to get to school, work or the shops, we are looking at proactive road safety measures to ensure all road users feel safe on our roads.
We are currently running two consultations on road safety schemes, one is on the trial of an enhanced crossing point at The Willows, the other is on proposals to implement 20mph speed zones in the Queensway area of Torquay and Fisher Street area of Paignton.
These communities have been identified in our Road Safety Initiatives plan as areas which would benefit from safety improvements by reducing vehicle speeds. Lowering the speed limit in residential areas, especially around schools can help to safeguard pedestrians. Slower vehicle speeds also enhance driver visibility, allowing them to react swiftly if needed.
Ahead of any changes being made, we want to hear from residents that live in or regularly use the proposed designated areas. We’re especially keen to hear from families whose children attend nearby schools.
By getting involved you are helping to shape road safety initiatives in your local area as well as letting us know of other road safety issues that are important to you. We will be considering all responses and comments carefully.
There are a couple of ways that people can share their views, there is a webpage (https://yoursay.torbay.gov.uk/) where full details along with a short survey can be found. For anyone unable to get online, information is available in either Paignton or Torquay libraries. We’ve already had a lot of people share their views which shows making our roads safer is important to our residents. The consultation is open until Sunday, September 17.
Despite the weather (at times) forgetting that it is summer, we’ve had a packed season of events. As we move into September there’s still plenty more events to be enjoyed. This weekend there are two events taking place, one on land and one at sea.
On Saturday, September 2, we see the return of Torbay Pride. The event starts with a parade along Torquay seafront (departing from Princess Gardens at 11am) before the main event on Torre Abbey Meadows. The event which is free to attend, is open to all and features local food and drink traders, stall holders and lots of live acts and entertainment.
There’s also The Great Big Paddle Parade, a world record attempt for the most stand-up paddle boarders on parade. This is going to be a spectacular site from various locations between Torre Abbey and Broadsands. With a cruise ship also visiting the Bay it’s going to be great to see the Bay full of people enjoying all we have to offer.
Later in September and into October, we’ve got The Agatha Christie Festival (September 8-17), the English Riviera Walking Festival (September 23-30), and England’s Seafood FEAST (September 29 to October 15).
David Thomas
Leader – Torbay Council