PLANS have been unveiled to cut traffic volume and speed, improve pedestrian safety, enhance cycling provision and create an attractive environment on a major road in Tiverton.

Devon County Council has announced plans for an exhibition and public consultation on proposals to improve Blundell’s Road between Heathcoat Way and Hartnoll Cross.

People can make comments at an exhibition at the Best Western Tiverton Hotel from 11am to 5pm on Thursday, January 22 and 2pm to 7pm on Friday, January 23.

Planned housing and employment development east of the town as part of the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension (Tiverton EUE) means road infrastructure improvements are needed.

The Tiverton EUE proposals involve new homes, new retail development and new employment space over 153 hectares between the A361, Manley Lane, the Grand Western Canal and West Manley Lane.

Cllr Des Hannon, county councillor for Tiverton East, said: “I share residents’' mixed feelings about the Eastern Urban Extension, but this consultation is a wholly positive thing as it offers local people a say in dealing with some of the negative effects of extra traffic.

“I’m especially pleased that designers have, at the last minute, agreed to my request to seek views on a 20mph zone up Tidcombe Lane, and I urge residents to take this opportunity to make your views known – grab this chance.”

Proposals include creating a 20mph zone between Horsdon Garage and Tidcombe Lane, reducing the road width where possible to increase space for pedestrians, providing safe crossing locations, introducing cycling facilities and ensuring provision for essential traffic, such as buses.

Existing signs and lighting will be reviewed to reduce clutter and enhance the environment.

The county council also wants feedback on Tidcombe Lane, where it is considering options including making the road one way northbound or southbound between Blundell’s Road and Tidcombe Walk, introducing traffic calming in the form of road humps, and a 20mph zone either to the roundabout near Asla Brook or extended to Tidcombe Primary School.