Long-awaited safety improvements to be made at Sidmouth accident blackspot

A road accident blackspot on the outskirts of Sidmouth is to have long-awaited safety improvements.

Devon County Council has confirmed that the speed limit on Four Elms Hill is to be reduced to 40mph in January, and there will be double white lines to deter overtaking.

Residents of nearby Newton Poppleford, and Val Ranger, the district councillor for Newton Poppleford and Harpford, have been campaigning for the changes for many years.

They have been supported by the county councillor for the Otter Valley, Claire Wright.

'Frequent accidents and at least one fatality on Four Elms Hill

She said: "The hill has been the focus of frequent accidents and at least one fatality, due to people overtaking and driving too fast.

"Campaigning for safety measures, and discussions with officers, and meetings have been ongoing since 2017, when I first raised the matter at the East Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC).

"It has been an arduous and frustrating process at times, but I am relieved and very happy that all our work will come to fruition next month.

"Huge thanks to everyone involved, including Newton Poppleford Parish, Council, EDDC councillor, Val Ranger, local highways officers, and councillors with HATOC, especially the chair, Cllr Stuart Hughes, who have all supported our position.

"We believe that the road will be much safer with its speed limit reduced from 60mph to 40mph and unbroken double white central lines, which are more appropriate to its gradient and bends.

"The hill will be closed between Monday, January 11 and Saturday, January 23 for the safety works, which will cause inconvenience and delays to road users, but we are confident that when it reopens it will be a safer road."