Permanent 20mph zone enforced near Torquay Academy

A new permanent 20mph speed limit has come into force around Torquay Academy to improve road safety for pupils, staff and local residents.

Signs have been installed to enforce the lower limit, which is the first of six being introduced outside schools across Torquay and Paignton this year following public consultation.

The mandatory zone replaces a previous advisory limit on Cricketfield Road and now extends to the roundabout at the junction of Old Woods Hill and Barton Road. From there, the new limit continues north along Barton Road past the school entrance, ending just before Audley Avenue. Cricketers Green and Kirkstead Close are also included in the new zone.

The reduced speed limit is in effect at all times and can be enforced by police. It connects with an existing 20mph zone to the south on Barton Road, near Torre Church of England Academy.

Torbay Council said the new measure aims to improve safety and is part of a wider Road Safety Initiatives Programme. Slower speeds in urban areas are known to reduce the risk of collisions, cut noise, improve air quality and give drivers more time to react.

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride of Place and Parking, said: “The public has supported improving road safety and we are delivering on that commitment. I’m grateful for the hard work of the Highways Team.

“We are determined to deliver improved safety for all road users, including the many children who use these routes to get to school and home again.”

Steve Margetts, Principal of Torquay Academy, welcomed the changes.

“I’m really pleased to see the 20mph zone introduced. It is something we’ve campaigned for over many years,” he said.

“With 1,500 students and up to 200 staff arriving daily, slower speeds make the area safer for everyone. This is a very positive step in helping to protect our children, their families and those who work at the school.”

The new zone is part of a wider strategy to roll out 20mph limits at selected school locations across Torbay. In the past year, zones have also been introduced in the Queensway area, the Strand in Torquay, and Fisher Street in Paignton.

Other measures to support road safety include education programmes delivered with the Vision Zero South West partnership, including primary school lessons and the Learn2Live scheme for 16 to 19-year-olds.

New 20mph zones are also due to be introduced later this year outside the following schools:

Paignton

• Sacred Heart School (Cecil Road area)

• Hayes School (Totnes Road/Hayes Road area)

Torquay

• St Cuthbert Mayne School (Teignmouth Road/West Hill Road areas)

• Barton Hill Academy (Barton Hill Road area)

• Cockington School (Avenue Road/Mill Lane/Old Mill Road area)