A stretch of road leading into Okehampton needs better speed cut measures, say residents.

They fear a fatal accident could occur on Upcott Hill unless improvements are made to the existing 30mph speed limit.

Resident and owner of Upcott House B&B John Bickley told Okehampton Town Council's planning committee on Monday that it was imperative to do something to slow traffic on the hill.

He said: 'In the last eight years one car and three bikes have driven into our wall because they had been going too fast.

'Something needs to be changed — I would like to see the 30mph limit sign moved to the top of the hill to make drivers more aware, or a reduce speed sign put up.

'Our guests have also stressed their concern over this issue and have witnessed the danger themselves when on foot.'

Okehampton Town Cllr Kay Bickley, who also owns Upcott House B&B, added: 'A lot of children have to cross that road and we are very concerned.

'We very nearly had a fatal accident with a visitor and their child — we don't want that to happen, but there is a sense that that is what is being waited for.

'It's frightening for residents to come out of their drives because we also have to consider their concealed entrances.'

Devon County Council wrote to the town council in response to a request in November to move the sign to the top of the road.

The letter stated it would be difficult for the county council to support an extension to the current 30mph limit north west to the top of Upcott Hill, as both national and local guidance and policy on setting appropriate speed limits did not support extending community speed limits outside the built up area.

County council area traffic engineer James Anstee said: 'Devon County Council would not recommend extending the Okehampton 30mph limit to include Upcott Hill.

'To address concerns about pedestrian safety on Upcott Hill, we would recommend alerting motorists to the hazard through the use of appropriate warning signs.

'Extending the 30mph limit too far away from the built up area of town could potentially increase speeds along Lodge Hill.'

Lodge Hill continues towards the town centre from Upcott Hill.

'We are currently working with the local primary school to update their school travel plan and the safety of parents and children using Lodge Hill is one of the actions that we may be looking to support with permanent vehicle-activated speed warning signs.

'The correct use of speed limits needs to be carefully considered to ensure that they are effective and convey a consistent and appropriate message to the driver.'

The town council is to write a second letter to the county council to ask it to look at different traffic calming measures, including increased lighting, rumble strips and moving the 30mph sign to the top of the road.