A public consultation is being launched by Devon County Council next week (Friday, October 16) to seek views on its suggestions for reducing traffic congestion in Okehampton town centre.

The county council is exploring a number of options to improve traffic flow, with proposals to redesign up to three key junctions in the town centre which currently have traffic lights.

The junctions are Market Street with the B3260, Fore Street and George Street; Mill Road with the B3260, East Street; and the B3215, Barton Road with the B3260, Exeter Road.

The first set of proposals would make the Market Street and Mill Road junctions priority-free, removing the traffic lights and giving all approaching vehicles the same right across the junction, rather than anyone having right of way.

Drivers would instead rely on slow speeds, visual prompts and considerate behaviour, county engineers have suggested. This would be supported with the installation of a new mini roundabout at the Barton Road junction.

The alternative option would again remove the existing traffic lights, with priority arrangements being introduced at each of the junctions.

Feedback on pedestrian crossing locations is being sought through the consultation.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for highway management, said: ‘We’re keen for people to give us their views on the proposed redesigns of these junctions. Traffic studies have shown that making changes to the current road layout, by removing traffic signals and introducing different priority arrangements, can release additional capacity and improve traffic flow through the centre of Okehampton. These improvements will support the local economy — enabling the market town to continue to fulfil its role as a regional centre to over 30,000 people in its rural catchment.’

Councillor Kevin Ball, Devon County Councillor for Okehampton Rural, said: ‘I’m really pleased this consultation is due to get underway — it’s probably the biggest opportunity in many years to improve the town centre. It gives residents the opportunity to comment on potential changes that can help the traffic flow through town. I would ask local people to please look at the whole consultation document when it’s released, as the proposed layout drawings will give a better idea of what’s being put forward.

 ‘I have my personal preferred option but I think all of the options will improve the situation in town. The opportunity of the consultation is for anyone who wishes to contribute to give their thoughts and we welcome any ideas we haven’t thought of. I hope all residents, whether they agree with the proposals or not, can engage positively through the consultation.’

A consultation webinar will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, October 21, providing people with the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback directly to county council officers and Cllr Ball. A further virtual ‘drop-in’ consultation event will be held between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday 5 November. Email [email protected] for joining instructions. Feedback forms can be completed online at devon.cc/okehamptontowncentre up until November 15.