Public consultation on road improvements in Starcross

A public consultation is being held by Devon County Council on proposed improvements to the A379 at Starcross and the Mamhead Road from Starcross to the A380.

People are being asked for their views on a number of upgrades for the section of the A379 through Starcross, which is a well-known pinch-point that affects vehicles and pedestrians.

While little can be done to improve traffic flow, the consultation is looking at proposals to narrow the road width in order to improve footpaths through Starcross. If supported, the narrowing would be trialled and monitored prior to making any permanent changes.

Other proposals on which people are being asked to comment include amendments to on-street parking arrangements along the Starcross stretch of the A379, changes to the northbound bus stop by Bonhay Road and the restriction of right turns out of New Road.

A number of enhancements are also suggested to improve the C-class Mamhead Road from New Road to the A380. The existing route is narrow due to environmental constraints and occasionally it is blocked by large vehicles which are unable to pass, leading to long delays.

Given the close proximity of the A379 Starcross and Mamhead road, the proposals are being brought forward together in a single consultation.

Information on the scheme proposals and a consultation questionnaire will be available online at https://www.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/ from Wednesday 15 January until Wednesday 5 February.

The proposals will also be on show at Starcross Pavilions on Wednesday 15 January from 2:30pm-7:30pm, when officers from Devon County Council will be on hand to answer any questions.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “This is an opportunity for people to have their say on these improvement options for Starcross and the Mamhead route, and we’re keen to hear people’s feedback. The responses from the consultation will help to inform a preferred scheme option.”

Councillor Alan Connett, Devon County Councillor for the Exminster and Haldon division, said: “Improvements to this stretch of the A379 at Starcross are very much needed and I am pleased that proposals to improve well known pinch points at Starcross and Mamhead Hill are now being consulted upon.

“The instances of the Mamhead route being blocked by large vehicles are well known for causing problems and delays locally. Devon County Council has worked up an enhancement which responds to the concerns raised locally. This route is widely used by local residents and the feedback to this consultation will be important in shaping any improvements.

“The problems for vehicles in Starcross are well known, but the footway facilities that residents need to get to the local shops and services are also in need of improvement. The proposals have been developed through discussion with the Parish Council and I welcome the chance for wider consultation with residents of Starcross on this and the other enhancements.”

The County Council intends to submit the schemes for funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) Local Pinch Point fund.