Experimental road layout in Paignton town centre

Road users are being asked to take extra care when an experimental road layout in Paignton town centre comes into operation on Monday, November 14.

The council's Transportation Working Party has approved a road safety scheme aimed at improving pedestrian crossing facilities at the junction of Torquay Road and Palace Avenue.

The central island would be enlarged, the left lane would be marked as a dedicated left turn lane into Palace Avenue, and the right lane would be retained for through traffic.

At present, the left lane gives road users the option to turn left or carry straight on along Torquay Road. During the two-week trial the road markings in the left lane will indicate a left turn only, and drivers and riders will need to get into the adjoining lane if they want to go straight on along Torquay Road.

Temporary barriers will also be put up at the central island.

Warning signs are being put up along Totnes Road and Dartmouth Road to indicate which lanes road users should use.

Cllr Robert Excell said: "This location is an extremely busy one for road users and pedestrians.

"Unfortunately in recent years there have been a number of incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians so it is important we look at ways at improving road safety.

"We are carrying out the experimental layout for a fortnight to enable us to monitor traffic flows. We will then be able to assess whether the trial has been a success before deciding whether to implement the scheme on a permanent basis early next year.

"We would ask everyone to take extra care during the trial, and in particular drivers and riders should slow down and check the position of other vehicles before switching lanes."

At the end of the trial period the road markings and central island will revert to their previous layout in the run up to the festive period.

If the final go-ahead is given, no work on a permanent scheme would be carried out before the New Year.

Geograph image by Tom Jolliffe.