I LIKEN driving into Whitchurch Road from Priory Close as a vehicular version of Russian roulette and I had hoped for road improvements which may have lengthened my life expectancy.
After 15 years of taking chances, I cannot imagine that the current Devon County Council schemes will improve safety in any way.
Does the council really believe that the rural and urban gateways will reduce speed in the busy and heavily populated Whitchurch Road area? Only sleeping policemen or a reduced speed limit, which is enforced, will do this.
It is rarely safe to do 30mph, yet on many occasions, cars travel at speeds very much greater than this. I wonder if the council will accept liability in the event of the fatal accident?
Most councils spend a great deal of money improving local roads but Devon County Council appears intent on committing legalised vandalism in reducing the road standards. One only has to look at work being carried out on the 'rural gateway' to prove this point.
The 'improvement work' on Bedford Square and the relief road have hardly improved traffic flow or met the wishes of the majority of Tavistock residents.
When will Devon County Council wake up to reality and stop trying to turn Tavistock into some form of 'Toytown'.
To end on a positive note, I do believe that the Pixon Lane roundabout is a great improvement and can only question why it was not completed many years ago, as local people suggested.
Ray Hurle
84 Priory Close
Tavistock