RESIDENTS and councillors in Mary Tavy are taking a stand against speeding motorists through their village on the A386.

A public meeting was held at the Methodist Chapel Hall in Mary Tavy last Tuesday (November 26) which was well attended.

Concerns have long been raised by members of the community regarding the high level of speeding vehicles seen travelling through the village and in response a Speeding Working Group was formed, made up of four parish councillors. But in order to receive suggestions from the public, the working group organised the meeting where ideas for reducing speeding in the parish were put forward.

The aims of the working group are to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians; safety for vehicular traffic joining the A386 and to reduce noise and environmental pollution.

The speed limit through Mary Tavy is 30mph but used to sit at 40mph. In the past, a zebra crossing and virtual footpath have been installed.

Three ideas were put forward at the meeting — installing a village gateway; vehicle activated signs and a community Speed Watch scheme in conjunction with local police.

Councillor Nick Butland, who chaired the meeting, said: ‘The meeting seems to have been well-received, with a number of helpful suggestions from the public.’

Cllr Butland added that the ideas would be discussed at the next meeting of Mary Tavy Parish Council on Tuesday, December 10, where councillors would decide on which idea could best reduce speeding through the village.

‘It will be the vehicle activated signs that will cause the most discussion as they cost £4,500 to £5,000 which is 20 to 25 per cent of what we receive for the village.But at the meeting people were very keen on the signs.

‘We are also talking to Lamerton, Lydford, Lifton and Milton Abbot and those who are in a similar situation to us.

‘I have lived in Mary Tavy for five years and in that time I have had three near death experiences due to speeding vehicles and run very fast across the zebra crossing.’

The council’s meeting in December begins at 7pm where there will be a 15 minute open public section.