Residents could see an end to ‘rat-running’ around Sidford Cross if a safety scheme is implemented.

Devon County Council (DCC) is consulting homeowners in Frys Lane, Brook Lane and Higher Brook Meadow, who have long feared accidents caused by drivers bypassing the traffic lights.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, the authority’s highways chief, hopes the introduction of bollards and a ‘no through road’ restriction in Frys Lane will win their support.

He said: “This would certainly improve the quality of life for residents living on Frys Lane and Brook Lane as it is they who are being affected by drivers taking this route to get from A to B.

“There are also the new houses which will lead to even more cars on these very narrow roads, which also have limited footway provision for pedestrians.”

The Sidford Cross traffic lights give priority to the busy A3052, with two phases compared to one phase each for School Street and Sidford Road.

In a letter to residents, Cllr Hughes said the installation of bollards in the narrow section of Frys Lane would mean that anyone living south of them or in Higher Brook Meadow would have to use Sidford High Street to access their properties.

Residents of the three streets have until January 31 to comment.