A PETITION launched calling for improved road safety on St Marychurch Road between Torquay and Newton Abbot has gathered almost 150 signatures in less than 24 hours.

The change.Org petition, started by Matt Redmond who lives near the road, began following another accident along the stretch of road on Tuesday when four people were injured in a three car crash.

Aftermath of a multi-vehicle collision on the St Marychurch Road at Milber, Newton Abbot on the night of October 22
Aftermath of a multi-vehicle collision on the St Marychurch Road at Milber, Newton Abbot on the night of October 22 ( )

Matt Redmond explained: ‘We deserve to travel without fear, without constantly worrying about the next accident.

‘Over the past 18 months, St. MaryChurch Road has witnessed more than 20 accidents, including a tragic fatality.

‘This alarming statistic is a sobering indicator of how severe the situation is and highlights the urgency for a comprehensive review and strategic changes.’

Supporter Tracy Walton, who uses the road every day, said: ‘The speed limit needs to be seriously reduced as I often tuck my wing mirror in on this road.’

Matt says he depends on the road for his daily commute as he lives near the road.

He said: ‘The road safety or rather, the lack of it, directly impacts my life and that of my family.’

His petition is calling for an in-depth review of current safety measures and a sustainable strategy to ensure a safer environment for all road users.

He suggests this could include implementing stricter speed limits, improved street lighting, better signage, or even redesign of specific accident-prone areas.

He said: ‘We understand that such changes may take time and resources, but the cost cannot be compared to the value of a human life.

‘The changes we are demanding are not just necessary, but they are urgently needed to prevent more accidents and fatalities.

‘Each signature on this petition means one more voice advocating for safer roads, one more stand taken for our community.

‘We must ensure that the safety of all road users on St. MaryChurch Road becomes a priority.’

Margaret Burkett signed after her husband died after being knocked off his mobility scooter by a car.

Alison Dodsworth said: ‘This road and many local roads need serious inspection and improvement, road safety does not seem to be a priority.’

Another driver said people need to slow down and give way to on coming traffic where the road narrows.

Others commented signage for trucks and coaches needed to be improved as many used the road without realising how narrow it is.

Harriet Andrews said: ‘I always think they need bigger better signage for the massive trucks and coaches that drive along here then realise they can’t actually fit through. The sign is really small to show that they shouldn’t go down there.’

The state of the road surface itself has also come in for criticism as, although work has been carried out, there are still many large potholes.

A further issue is that many sat navs taken people along St Marychurch Road, advising it is a quicker route.

The petition can be found at Change.org/StMaryChurchRoadSafety,