MEASURES to cut the number of serious accidents on a busy West Devon route are to be put in place with a new road improvement programme. The scheme, to build a series of traffic islands at eight different points on the A386 between Yelverton and Roborough, was given the go-ahead at the West Devon Highways and Traffic Orders committee (HATOC) meeting on Friday. The move comes after 44 recorded casualties, including two fatal and 12 serious, were recorded in a three-year period. Local services officer Brian George said the main issue the islands addressed was accidents caused by right turn movements. He said that, as well as protecting motorists, the extra islands would act as a signal to other drivers. ?It will give motorists the picture that when there is an island they are coming up to a junction and should stay in their lane.? The scheme was attacked by Cllr Roger Mathew, who sent representation to the committee, as he felt it would increase traffic congestion. He told the Times last week that the new islands would create a ?long, slow procession? of traffic across Roborough Down and ?pinch out all the overtaking points.? But councillors at the meeting in Okehampton were told the average mean speed on the route was 50mph at all times of the day. The scheme was designed to keep motorists at the same speed and cut down on the speed range. The introduction of chevron markings should also help to keep motorists at a uniform speed. It is anticipated the overall scheme, which consists of the new islands, a deceleration taper at the Milton Combe junction and an improved golf course crossing, will save seven serious accidents over a three-year period. Cllr Greta Madigan said she had noticed that not only the volume of traffic on the route had increased tremendously over the years but there had also been an increase in ?inappropriate and reckless drivers.? She also requested that any alterations, particularly involving signage, be in keeping with the national park. Mr George described the new islands as narrower and slightly longer than those already in place with low level reflectorised bollards. ?Motorists who are paying attention to their driving will not have a problem,? he said.