A survey has been conducted to gather local opinion so that local authorities can understand how road users, communicate, and businesses that are stretched alongside the A30/A303 feel about their close proximity to the roadways. Devon Country Council has been tasked with running the survey although they will be assisted by the support of the Somerset County Council and aims to find out where the public would like to see improvements along the stretch of road that runs between Broadway and Honiton.
The survey is just one part of the much larger campaign that has been created by the Dorset, Devon, Somerset, and Wiltshire Councils to help persuade the government to make a much better road corridor for travel between Amesbury, Honiton, and Taunton.
Key findings of the survey include:
- 80% think congestion is an issue
- 50% of road users experience an issues most times they travel along the route
- 97% want improvements to the route
Congestion on the road itself or at its junctions emerged as the leading key traffic related issue affecting travel between Honiton and Broadway. Almost half of travellers surveyed had personally experienced congestion, making it the main problem for A30/A303 road users. Only 3% of respondents to the survey felt that there were no issues with the road in its current condition.
A lack of overtaking opportunities and concerns over safety, were common key issues that affect travel along the route. Over a quarter of respondents had direct experience of situations which led them to believe that sections of the road are unsafe, while just over a fifth of travellers had encountered slow journey times due to Heavy Goods Vehicles.
Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth at Devon County Council said: “We are pleased that the Government is undertaking a feasibility study to consider future improvements along the whole length of the A303, and we are keen to understand full the extent of problems faced by businesses, road users and communities using the section of the road which runs between Honiton and Broadway. This will enable local people to influence the preferred solution for this section of the route which runs through Devon. This feedback is crucial if we are to put forward an effective business case to Government for improvements to this section of road. In addition, it will also help us put together affordable and deliverable options that are sensitive to the protected landscape.
“The A303 is a vital connection into the South West, but one that has been long recognised as slow and unreliable, having a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the region. We need to identify a strategy that improves the traffic conditions of the route, increases safety and resilience while bringing economic growth to the area.”
Councillor David Hall, Deputy Leader for Somerset County Council said: “These findings underline the serious shortcomings of this major route to the South West and demonstrate that there is real support for improvement, even by stages. We are working hard with our partners on our case with Government to improve the whole route as it is a key strategic artery into the West Country. The economic benefits of upgrading this road are very significant for the entire region. We eagerly look forward to hearing Government’s response.”
