NEWTON Abbot residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors are being asked to give their views on a 20miles-per-hour speed limit.

The Newton Abbot 20 informal consultation has been created by a partnership of Newton Abbot Town Council, Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council and will be launched on Monday October 25 and will run until Thursday November 25.

The consultation will available online, accessible through a link on the new Newton Abbot 20 website. Additionally, ‘paper’ surveys are available at Newton’s Place and in Newton Abbot Library.

The survey itself consists of 25 questions including an interactive map which depicts the initial ideas for the scope of the scheme.

The map will give respondents an opportunity to leave their suggestions regarding the extents and boundaries of the speed scheme. On the paper version the public are asked to write their comments in the comments section.

In addition to the interactive map, questions will include asking people’s attitudes towards a 20mph speed limit outside publicly accessible buildings such as schools, nurseries, and GP surgeries.

Other questions will ask if respondents believe a 20mph speed limit would make them feel safer when cycling or walking and if speeding is an issue in the town.

You can access the consultation through the new Newton Abbot 20 website.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management said: ‘These are only initial ideas, and we need the public to tell us if we are going in the right direction. We recognise that not everyone will share the same view.

‘To ensure that what we do is right for Newton Abbot we need as many people as possible who live, work, or visit the town to give their views. What we do here in Newton Abbot will shape the county council’s future policy on speed throughout Devon.’

Mayor of Newton Abbot, Councillor Mike Joyce, said: ‘The draft proposals are a starting point, it’s not the finished product, that’s where local people and businesses come in.

‘Traffic and road safety is an issue that affects everyone– whether you are walking to school, cycling to work, or making deliveries in a van.

‘What you say will help design a scheme we hope works for our town. People’s views on a 20mph limit in Newton Abbot will be taken into consideration.’

Local county councillor for Newton Abbot North, Cllr Phil Bullivant, said: ‘To ensure that any future schemes will benefit the town we need to know the views of those who live and work in Newton Abbot.

‘The survey is completely anonymous to encourage people to say what they really think. Please take the time as what you say will influence what any future scheme will look like.’

Local county councillor for Newton Abbot South, Cllr Janet Bradford, said: ‘This is your town, so please complete the survey and share it with your family and friends, your ideas count!’

Teignbridge District Council Executive Member for the Environment Cllr Jackie Hook said: ‘20mph is now becoming increasingly common place in communities around the UK, with proven benefits for all road users and the community.

‘Less road casualties, less noise and more cycling and walking helping to relieve congestion and cut air pollution. But it is important that as many people as possible, take this opportunity to comment on the proposals, to get them right for our town. Even if you agree with all that is proposed, it is important that you tell us.’

Please click on this link to go to the Newton Abbot 20 website: https://www.newtonabbot20.org.uk From there you will be able to go to the consultation which begins on Monday October 25.

A limited stock of printed versions will be available at the Library and Newton’s Place from today, Monday, October 25.

The survey will be open for completion until Thursday, November 25.

If you need more information or a different format phone 0345 155 1015, [email protected], text 80011 (start your message with the word Devon), or write to Devon County Council, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD.