PLANS for a speed watch scheme to safeguard livestock on Dartmoor were advanced last week at Dartmoor Forest Parish Council.

The members of the council considered the analysis of Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) data from 2014 by Councillor Greg Manning, which acted as clear evidence of systematic speeding on moorland roads.

Over 38,000 vehicles were recorded by the VAS and 83% of them travelled in excess of 50mph in the 40mph speed limit, with top speeds of 96mph recorded on Pork Hill and 81mph at Sharpitor.

Council members at the meeting agreed that an average speed camera system would be the ideal option, however, it was deemed unaffordable.

Previously, a range of measures had been suggested with hopes to combat the issue, including bidding for funds for two portable VAS signs, seeking police enforcement action on moorland roads at optimum times and establishing a Moorland Community Speed Watch programme.

In order to proceed with the community speed watch group, the council has elected a new sub-committee to set up the scheme, chaired by Cllr Gregg Manning and will comprise Cllr Julian Greatrex and clerk, Nigel Tigwell.

Gregg Manning will become the civilian administrator for the scheme.

Councillors also discussed the experiences of Lydford and other community speed watch groups.

Nigel Tigwell, Dartmoor Forest Parish Council Clerk, said: ‘Lydford Community Speedwatch have had a positive effect especially on the A386 at Valedown. We have had lots of advice from them.’

Specific locations for the members of the Dartmoor speed watch team are yet to be risk assessed but the council will seek sites on the B3212 between Peak Hill and Princetown, the B3357 between Cox Tor and Rundlestone, the B3212 between Two Bridges and Postbridge, the B3212 between Postbridge and the Warren House Inn and the B3357 between Two Bridges and Dartmeet.

Mr Tigwell added: ‘Animal deaths are not directly linked to speeding but people need to be travelling at a safe speed for the conditions.

‘If we really take a firm line on this people will tend to think more about speed. We have written to local employers to remind staff of driving responsibility.’

Despite an encouraging response from Inspector Mark Sloman, Devon and Cornwall Police, to the council’s letter of July 22, the police and council still need assurance that enough volunteers can be recruited for the scheme to be viable and sustainable.

Cllr Gregg Manning will seek volunteers and liaise with the Neighbourhood Watch over joint work.

The council also looks to provide any additional equipment needed to keep volunteer shift sizes to two people, such as a camera to make the recording of vehicles easier.

The funds for the two portable VAS signs, which will be used around the parish and neighbouring areas, is hoped to be received from the West Devon Town and Parish Fund.

Mr Tigwell added: ‘We have unanimous parish council support as well as support from the National Park, Devon County and West Devon Borough Council member Cllr Phillip Sanders, Dartmoor Commoners, Trustees of the Forest of Dartmoor, land owners and the community.

‘Broadly speaking we have received overall backing from everyone who cares for the land.’