Twenty is Plenty

I've been supporting residents,to get a 20 limit on Kingsway and Mill Lane for a number of years. http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/councildemocracy/decision_making/cma/cma_document.htm?cmadoc=minutes_tbh_20120705.html Sadly my efforts haven't been helped by the Highways committee. I've been asked to try again; there are many benefits to a 20 limit. Professor Danny Dorling (Halford Mackinder Professor of the School of Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford), is something of an expert. Prof Dorling has produced a report on the benefits of a 20 limit. Dorling’s report highlights that, for 5 – 25 year olds, road casualty is the most likely cause of death, injuries are more likely to affect poorer people and there are enormous benefits from 20mph limits in promoting active lifestyles. He says: "I was asked to provide the evidence base for a single workable policy to reduce inequalities in health and improve public health in general. There is now a mountain of evidence to show that reducing car speeds with 20mph limits does this in a way that is far more directly obvious than any other single health policy. The health effects range from reduction in fatalities and serious casualties of road traffic crashes at speed, right through to the encouragement of more healthy walking and cycling when people are less afraid of fast cars driving through their neighbourhoods. The cost is minimal and the benefits are enormous."

Council want to Ban the Banners

I'm totally opposed to Teignbridge Council's plan to ban the banners. After a plethora of complaints about the proliferation of unauthorised commercial banners being displayed in Teignmouth by the Shaldon Bridge, the bottom of Exeter Road and near the Teign Heritage Centre, Teignbridge Council chiefs are planning to ‘ban the banners’. I believe banning is an overreaction and unfair; why should community groups and charities suffer because of the inconsiderate actions of a selfish minority. We pride ourselves in Teignmouth on having many healthy and vibrant community groups. Lots of great events put on by volunteers, who rely on being able to publicise the event at these locations. I'm suggesting the town council take responsibility for approving banners, and notifying Teignbridge as the local planning authority. The town council could check the sites, making sure they do not become untidy or a hazard for motorists and removing unauthorised commercial banners. A notice could be put at these sites requiring people to get permission from the town council. If the town council acted as agent for the Highway Authority, it would have the common law right, as well as the power under Section 132 of the Highways Act 1980, to remove any unauthorised signs from the public highway if they are considered to be a potential hazard.