Works starts on new pedestrianisation scheme in Torbay Road

Contractors were yesterday (Wednesday) due to start work on the revised pedestrianisation of Torbay Road, Paignton, in time for half-term.

Works will take place during the evenings between until tomorrow (Friday, February 10), with the changes being fully operational by 6am on Saturday, February 11.

The decision to revise the scheme from full pedestrianisation to a partial one follows a recommendation made by Torbay Council’s Cabinet last month after considering feedback, including protests by traders who opposed the scheme.

Under the revised scheme, vehicles will be able to enter Torbay Road from Esplanade Road and drive up to the Queens Road junction, before turning either left onto Queens Road or right onto Garfield Road.

Vehicles will still not be permitted to enter Torbay Road from the Hyde Road / Station Square junction.

Access limitations for deliveries to the area of Torbay Road from the Queens Road junction to Station Square will still be restricted to the hours of 6pm to 10am. Outside of these hours, 10am to 6pm, the area is exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists.

On the lower end of Torbay Road, two new loading bays and a limited number of blue badge and general parking spaces will be introduced.

SWISCo contractors are to make changes to the current bollards, traffic separators and lining before removing and refitting signage and relaying lines.

Once the works are completed, the second phase will go live. Until the second phase is fully operational, access to the Bowling Club or Garfield Road car park will remain as it currently is.

Cllr Darren Cowell, deputy leader of Torbay Council, said: “Since the decision was made in January, the project team have been working on a revised design and amending the necessary traffic orders.

“A partial pedestrianisation scheme was the second preferred choice during the public consultation exercise which took place in early 2022, and one that several traders indicated they would support in a recent survey. We will continue to keep the scheme under review and capture any feedback before a design is finalised for a permanent scheme.”

Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, tourism and housing for Torbay Council, said: “After assessing what worked well and what could be improved during phase one, we’re pleased that phase two will be in place for half-term.

“The long-term vision for Paignton not only with this project, but all projects within the Future High Streets Programme, is to make much-needed improvements that encourage further inward investment and create a more diverse space.”

The Torbay Road project links to a similar improvement project proposed for Station Square, which also forms part of the Future High Streets Programme.

Under the proposals, Station Square will become the heart of the town centre with high-quality landscaping and seating, and will better connect Victoria Street, Torbay Road, and the seafront. The lane merger on Hyde Road accommodates a new bus stop and coach drop off point and filters traffic safely through the pedestrian friendly areas.