WORK on a £1.1million traffic calming scheme at a traffic blackspot in Tiverton is set to officially start.

Engineers will start work in Blundell’s Road in the town on Monday as part of the county council’s roadworks scheme.

It is hoped the works will help improve safety for pedestrians and schoolchildren during the school run.

The first phase of the scheme will establish a 20mph limit in the area around Blundell’s Road extending to Tidcombe Lane.

The road will be narrowed outside the school and raised tables added. The school will also benefit from a new puffin crossing.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management, said: “The scheme aims to create a safer environment for all road users, but especially pedestrians, by introducing these measures. It will also promote sustainable travel and hopefully discourage through-traffic from using this route.”

“Feedback from public consultation has helped inform the design for this traffic calming scheme and it has been important to maintain the character of Blundell’s Road so the scheme has been designed sympathetically to complement the school’s architecture.”

According to Devon county council, pedestrians cross that road around 3,000 times a day. The improvements on the road are needed to help reduce the impact of increased traffic due to levels expected after housing and employment developments are carried out east of Tiverton.

The work outside the school will be carried out in during the school holidays in July and August. There will be a five-day road closure from August 22 for resurfacing work.

Councillor Des Hannon, Devon County Councillor for Tiverton East, said: “These changes will adjust the balance on Blundell’s Road in favour of pedestrian safety. Drivers will need to practice a bit of patience and tolerance while we get used to the scheme. The details of the plan were decided by local people from a public consultation. Once the scheme is in place we all need to make it work.

“The engineering is only the start.”

A spokesperson for Blundell's School said: "We are pleased that Devon County Highways have implemented this project which will include a reduction of the speed limit along Blundells Road to 20mph.

"The Council has consulted with us throughout the process and listened to the School’s concerns; pupil safety is paramount and we believe the works will significantly enhance road safety measures."

The rest of the work will be carried out in September and October using temporary traffic lights either side of the school. There will be another closure for resurfacing work announced closer to the time. The second phase of the scheme will introduce improvements to the section between Tidcombe Lane and Hartnoll Cross, is set to be introduced later.

The scheme is being funded through developer contributions from the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension and has been developed following public consultation while working closely with Mid Devon District Council and Blundell’s School.