Measures introduced to support walking and cycling in Sidmouth

A number of measures to support walking and cycling have been proposed as part of the second phase of Emergency Active Travel Funding projects, with plans to make the current traffic restrictions in Sidmouth permanent.

Devon was awarded almost £1.3 million from the Department for Transport to provide safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists following the reduction of public transport capacity due to social distancing requirements during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In Sidmouth, Old Fore Street is proposed to be made a pedestrian zone with access for cyclists, and motor vehicles will only be able to access Church Street, New Street, Chapel Street, Dove Lane and Kings Lane, if they have a permit or if they are loading or unloading.

A number of limited waiting bays in the town will be converted to loading bays.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: "It's great to see excellent progress being made with the Active Travel schemes right across the county.

"Travel habits have changed over the past year with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and by improving our highway network with these schemes it's making it easier for people to make short journeys on foot or by bike.

"From my own experience in Sidmouth, the Town Council and Chamber of Commerce feel the town centre has been improved by the temporary measures which is why we're now looking to make them permanent."

Devon introduced a series of "pop-up" measures across the county last year, including in Exeter, Barnstaple, Bideford and Newton Abbot, with initial funding of £338,000 from the Emergency Active Travel Fund.

The current funding, which has to be spent or committed by March, is to introduce more permanent changes.