PEOPLE living in West Okement, Okehampton, have come up with a unique way to tackle the problem of speeding motorists —and have a roll of honour to prove it.
The majority of residents and tenants in the area have put their names to a speed pledge. It has been hailed a 'tremendous' success with around two thirds of those approached signing up.
Residents had been worried that an accident was waiting to happen — particularly with the high number of children living and playing in the area.
Mrs Margaret Woolacott, secretary of the West Okement Friends and Neighbours' Association, said appropriate road signs at the entrance to the area had now been up for a couple of weeks.
'This is a great achievement for the estate — and a first for Okehampton,' she said.
The introduction of the speed pledge follows members of the association raising concerns about the number of parked cars on local roads — including Moyses Meadow, Moyses Lane, Jubilee Close, Pikes Mead and High Street — the necessity for cars to reverse and their inappropriate speed.
'I hope it will make it safer for the children. The school holidays will be the great test,' said Mrs Woolacott, adding that the association was pleased Devon County Council had rushed to put the signs up before the holidays.
'The children will soon be out to play and that will be the marker as to whether it will be a success.'
She said the association had originally asked for a play area but no ground was available.
Mrs Woolacott contacted Mike Parnell from South West Highways who referred the traffic concerns to county road safety officer Michael Newcombe. He visited the neighbourhood and saw children playing on the streets and the speed pledge took off.
'The fact we had enough positive response from tenants and residents signing the pledge saying they were driving carefully was what qualified us to ask visitors and tradesmen to follow our lead,' said Mrs Woolacott.
Residents have introduced a community speed pledge by working with Devon County Council's road safety team and the police resident beat officer together with support from tenant liaison officer Andy Ames.
Devon County Council's executive member with responsibility for the environment, Cllr David Morrish, said: 'This is a fantastic response from a community who have acted positively in creating a safer environment for all.'
He said the success of past speed pledges in other areas showed that local people had a safety solution in their grasp that was 'effective, easily implemented, sustainable and free of charge'.
County road safety officer Michael Newcombe said: 'Most people are surprised to hear that nearly a third of road accidents involving child pedestrians occur less than 250 metres from their own doorstep and that two thirds of injuries happen on 30mph roads.
'That is why it is so encouraging to see a community taking action for itself.'
The scheme is backed up with additional signage advising visiting friends and relatives as well as tradesmen driving in the locality, to drive carefully and be mindful of children who may be on the road.
Each West Okement Friends and Neighbours' Association member has been presented with a speed pledge to remind them of their good work. The association also has a roll of honour naming all those who signed up in support of the project.