‘There is a case to be made that the 50mph zone should be extended’ - Cllr Stuart Hughes

Fears over the impact of speeding on Sidmouth’s main access road have prompted calls for its 50mph zone to be extended.

Councillor Frances Newth raised the issue at this month’s town council meeting, saying she has been contacted by a number of residents concerned about vehicles hurtling along the A3052.

She said: “When I first moved here, that road was classed as a tourist route and all I can say is I feel very sorry for any tourists who want to admire our beautiful valley when they have heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) going so fast. It’s tragic, really.”

Responding to her call for police to influence the speed limit, Sergeant Andy Squires said officers attending the scene of any traffic incident have to carry out a full assessment.

If speeding is found to be a contributing factor in a certain number of accidents, then police are consulted on a change in the law, but Sgt Squires said this is not currently the case on the A3052.

Councillor Stuart Hughes – who is also the Devon County Council cabinet member for highways – said there is a case to be made for the 50mph speed limit zone to be extended from the top of Trow Hill through to Seaton Down Hill.

He told the Herald: “I have requested this stretch of road be made 50mph in the past and believe it needs to be looked at again through the next speed limit review and hopefully the police will be able to support it this time.

“The 50mph limit on the section of A3052 between the Halfway House and Cat and Fiddle was implemented more than 15 years ago and has been very successful in reducing the amount of speed-related crashes.”