Students at the Deaf Academy are leading a campaign to reduce the speed limit outside their new campus in Exmouth.

The current limit along Douglas Avenue is 30 miles per hour. But the Academy’s student council said that is too fast and are calling for it to be reduced to 20 miles per hour in their campaign – 20 is Plenty.

There are currently 50 students at the Academy, 30 of whom stay within the residential provision on campus. Students attend from all over the country, with varying needs ranging from mobility, visual and special educational needs.

Amy, secretary of the student council, said: “We are an active and passionate student council that cares about all the students in the Academy.

"Last term we agreed we would like to have a focused campaign to reduce the speed limit on Douglas Avenue, so it is more suitable and safer for all day and residential students.”

The majority of students at the academy have a physical disability or special educational need, alongside their deafness.

Amy added: “Unlike hearing children, deaf children cannot clearly identify cars in the distance or around corners through sound. We rely on sight and trusting the public are driving slowly in the area. Clear 20mph signs will ensure drivers are aware of our school and our students’ needs. It will help us feel safe in Exmouth.

“It’s important because if cars are going fast, I don’t have time to cross the road safely, which can cause accidents.

"I have found in the past when crossing a road near my house, it can feel like cars come out of nowhere. As a Deaf person I can’t hear cars around the corner or far away so it can be difficult to judge how safe the road is.

"I would like to see zebra crossings and a 20-mph road limit with clear signs to make Douglas Avenue a safer environment.”

Douglas Avenue currently has a 30mph speed limit with various blind spots and does not have any targeted highway signage, traffic calming measures or crossing points near the Academy.