Woodbury in the fast lane

By blackandblue1 | Tuesday, September 08, 2009, 21:41

Concerns over new road safety in Woodbury seem to be far from settled, with many residents angry and disappointed with their new zebra crossing on Broadway, the main through road from Budleigh Salterton to Exeter.

Despite substantial money being spent on new traffic lights and crossroads in Ebford and Exton, Woodbury residents seem to have been short changed when it comes to council efforts.

Many established residents have campaigned for lower speed limits and safer roads in the village for years - and finally thought their prayers had been answered. Unfortunately, the County Highways have, in many people’s eyes, opted for the cheapest option.

Broadway has been a high risk road for years, with the 30mph speed limit often ignored. It is not uncommon to see traffic moving at well over 50mph and for the law abiding citizens sticking to the speed limit, they often face the prospect of dangerous tailgating.

The reason Woodbury received this type of crossing seems to be down to the area falling in to a ‘scheduled conservation area’. Essentially, this means, that bright flashing lights and coloured road markings just would not fit in.

Residents suggest the crossing is simply not working and is now an accident waiting to happen. Witnesses have seen many near misses already, with one person only just avoiding a speeding a car. The driver was so unaware, he didn’t even stop! Something needs to be done urgently and a little common sense demonstrated before somebody loses their life. Families are seriously concerned for their children - as well as elderly relatives.

The fear for Woodbury, is that it could be a further 40 years before the Highways Agency visit Woodbury again.

If you live in or around Woodbury, I would be keen to hear your experiences of the new traffic calming efforts on Broadway, as well as suggestions for alternative road safety and traffic calming.

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Comments

I always stick at 30mph along this road, but my first car got written off by a homecare worker pulling out of the giveway junction at the arch and crashing into my passenger side of the car. :( These roads are dangerous! They need to be traffic light controlled. I am left with back injuries for someone elses dangerous driving through woodbury!

By Naomi1991 at 14:28 on 22/06/10
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I am always harrassed when I drive down Broadway, even going at 30mph. I think this idea of not being able to have traffic calming measures there because it's a conservation area is just the most pathetic excuse I've ever heard. It would be great if someone would just listen to the residents and put measures in place BEFORE someone is run down. And they will be. It's just a matter of time. That road is just too fast.

By Nitida at 19:03 on 19/09/09
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I would just like to join in here and say that surely it shouldn't be too difficult for the council to come up with something to slow down the traffic - they seem to do it everywhere else. Let's hope they make this nice village a little safer for pedestrians. Has anyone sent a petition or letter to the local Council member? Or even the local MP?

By CWBC45 at 00:43 on 12/09/09
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I couldn't agree more. Woodbury is a really nice village and I am really surprised that the local council hasn't realised what a busy road this is at certain times of the day. I am sure a nice 'Woodbury Village' sign would help - does the council have to do that or could the residents of the village organise something? or ..... what about flower beds or something? Anything to remind drivers that they are entering an area where people live.

By Heidi_girl at 01:44 on 11/09/09
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BlackandBlue you have hit the nail on the head here. I couldn't agree more. Woodbury has been shortchanged. I regularly drive down Broadway in to the village, and always find that if I stick to the 30mph, I have someone behind trying to get in to my boot! There is a family housing estate that comes out on to this road, too, and I have met local residents who say they're afraid to send their children to the shop to get a pint of milk etc. Does anyone know who is in a position to do something about it?

By ALGrace at 23:17 on 09/09/09
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