SPEED limits on the busy stretch of road at Grenofen will not be reduced to allow for the anticipated increased activity of those crossing the A386 using the proposed National Cycling Network trail between the hamlet and Tavistock. Members of the West Devon highways and traffic committee (HATOC) last Friday decided to turn down a proposal by the county council to consider lowering the current speed limit of 60mph to 50mph, as the introduction of the cycle link between Grenofen and the trail would mean more people crossing the road, as well as walkers and horse riders. A traffic report conducted by the county showed the average speed measured north bound was 39mph and south bound 41mph. Only one vehicle in every 100 exceeded the 60mph limit. Alan Hosking, county councillor for Yelverton Rural, told the committee: ?It is speed of the vehicles that is the main thrust of the argument. I have stood outside the Halfway House Inn at Grenofen, and have had the impression of cars speeding but the evidence is clear. I will do what I can to reassure concerned residents to show them that their fears are misguided.? Brian George, the county council?s local service officer, recommended that reducing the speed limit to 50mph was considered but said that it would be unlikely to significantly reduce speeds below the levels measured. Coloured road surfaces were proposed to further raise drivers? awareness at the crossing point. Records showed that on that stretch of road between January 2001 and January 2006 there were four slight injuries and three damage only collisions. Two of the slight injuries were due to buses braking and passengers slipping, one was alcohol related and one was a vehicle shunting another turning right. He told the meeting : ?The addition of coloured road surfaces to alert drivers to the crossing would be more appropriate and the effectiveness of this would be monitored.?
