Concerns over dangerous driving have intensified after reports of speeding, racing and rule-breaking prompted calls for stronger enforcement across local roads.
Speaking at a meeting of Tiverton Town Council on Monday, March 23, councillors and police highlighted growing frustration among residents over worsening driving standards.
Cllr Tim Bridger said the issue was being raised frequently by people in his area.
He said: “Driving standards is one thing we are getting a lot of feedback on. I live in Moorhayes, and anything after 7pm the speeds on those roads are atrocious.
“People driving constantly driving up and down the wrong way on a one-way system and I am getting to the age where I am getting a bit old, but the speeds on roads and racing, in particular on the North Devon Link Road, there is a lot of it going on.”
Inspector Mark Arthurs, area inspector for Mid Devon, said he had witnessed poor driving standards first-hand.
He said: “I have driven ten minutes from Cullompton to Tiverton and I must admit I was wincing a bit at some of the driving standards I have seen tonight.
“Sadly, we do see that decrease in driving standards when there is a lack of policing visibility.”
Mr Arthurs added that increased reporting from the public had already led to action being taken.
He said: “When I get those reports, I am able to task other departments so I do not have to rely on my division. I can task out to roads policing and as a result of some of the enquiries people have made, I have had the speed camera vans increased presence in Tiverton whether you love or despise them, they are effective in what they set out to achieve.
“The more reports I get, the more specific they are, the more I can target those locations. Please report it, and I will target those resources.”
He also pointed to ongoing issues with drivers ignoring ‘no entry’ signs in the town centre.
He said: “The difficulties are the police cannot be everywhere all the time. While we can catch a few people occasionally, there is devolved powers to local councils to look at enforcement cameras.
“That is something for consideration with discussion with Devon County in having a camera at either end of Fore Street for enforcement.”
