THE creation of a bridleway has sparked a new speed limit and traffic calming measures in a West Devon hamlet. Members of West Devon?s highways and traffic orders committee (HATOC) last week heard that a 40mph speed limit would be introduced on the A3079 through Thorndon Cross, to make the area safe enough for people using the proposed bridlepath to cross the road. Brian George, local service officer, told the committee the bridleway was a long distance one which had a lot of local support ? but a crossing point was required at Thorndon. Mr George said: ?We have investigated going underneath the road, using the old railway bridge, but this would have had too much impact on the adjacent property. ?Actually, residents have been campaigning for a speed limit in this area for many years, although it?s unlikely it would have gone in without the creation of the bridleway. It?s one of the few occasions where the majority of local people will be very supportive of what?s happening. ?It?s a relatively short length of speed limit, but one resident there has already had several cars landing up in her garden.? Mr George said buff coloured, non-slip surfacing would be put down on the road additionally to alert drivers of the new speed limit. ?It does seem to be some help in making motorists aware there is something different.? Mr George said a preliminary safety audit had already been carried out regarding the proposals. A further audit would take place after a period of time ? it may be that further signage and road lines would be required. Rumble strips would not be ruled out, but the county wished to minimise the impact of the speed limit on residents in the area. Cllr James McInnes welcomed the move: ?I would like to thank the officers very much for this ? it has resolved a very difficult problem and I am very grateful.?