Calls for speed restrictions
CALLS for a blanket 40-mph speed restriction on roads in and around Woodbury Common have been made by Britain s oldest conservation society.
CALLS for a blanket 40-mph speed restriction on roads in and around Woodbury Common have been made by Britain's oldest conservation society.
The Open Spaces Society has called on the Department for Transport to recommend to local authorities like East Devon District Council to introduce the speed limit on all roads crossing unfenced common land.
It follows the consultation paper 'A Safer Way: Making Britain's Roads the Safest in the World'.
The Society aims to protect common land, village greens, open spaces and public rights of way.
Kate Ashbrook, general secretary said: "People need to know that, when they drive across a common, this is somewhere special, a place that goes back to medieval times, which should be treated with respect.
"Commons have remained unchanged for centuries, and are truly unspoilt, natural habitats. But if the habitat is to be maintained, it probably needs grazing, which is not possible unless the traffic is slowed, or the road is fenced.
Most Read
- 1 Full line-up announced for Exmouth Festival
- 2 'Goth girl' Scarlett plans Dartmoor trek for charity
- 3 Big Breakfast fundraiser starts Budleigh Gala Week
- 4 'Report graffiti and vandalism', police urge Budleigh residents
- 5 Exmouth coast watch recruit three newbies
- 6 Put the bunting out - East Devon gets ready for Jubilee revelry
- 7 Body found in search for missing man
- 8 I spent an afternoon with the Devon Air Ambulance
- 9 Witness appeal after Exmouth assault
- 10 Found: Wanted man from Exmouth
"Fencing is an eyesore, and restricts people's access onto the common on foot and horseback. It's much better to slow the traffic and protect the natural landscape.
"We hope the Department for Transport will advocate such a speed limit on all unfenced commons.
