THE 20mph speed limit on one of Okehampton's roads should be extended to other parts of the town, say councillors.

The call follows concern that traffic is posing a danger on some town streets.

Town councillors think that some of the hot spots to be addressed include Limehayes Road, Leaholes Road and Mill Road.

Mill Road, which already has a 20mph speed zone at both ends, recently had a new road layout put in place outside the entrance to Okehampton College, after the school inquired about traffic calming.

The zebra crossing was also moved to produce a safer crossing for students and residents.

The town council in May wrote to Devon County Highways asking for either smaller 20mph zone signs on lamp-posts, or painted roundels on the ground, throughout Mill Road.

Chairman of the town council's planning committee Cllr Maureen McDonald wants Okehampton's speed limits to be looked at.

She said: 'I think the traffic drives far too fast on Mill Road and throughout the town.

'People aren't always aware of the hazards and when the main roads are empty, people whip down, not realising the limit is 20mph.'

Cllr McDonald said not having clear signs was a hazard to residents.

She added: 'Nobody needs to drive down the smaller roads at 30mph and I would be very interested to know what the people of Okehampton think of this issue.

'It is something that the town council will be looking at and if it's what the town wants, then we will look into putting more 20mph signs up.'

But County Highways assistant area engineer Tom Vaughan told the town council the use of additional signs was prohibited, due to legal and good practice guidance.

He said: 'Mill Road is a 20mph zone and, as such, the area is designed to include features which will restrict vehicle speeds to less than 20mph.

'National legal and good practice guidance restrict the use of additional signs and reminders marked on the carriageway surface, due to the effectiveness of the physical features.

'As a result, we are not in a position to provide any additional features of this type.

'We will, of course, continue to monitor traffic movements in Mill Road.'

Earlier this month Devon County Council issued a statement, regarding the issues surrounding 20mph zones and limits in Devon and Cornwall.

The joint statement by Devon and Cornwall Police, Supt Tim Swarbrick, and Devon County Council cabinet member highways and transportation, Cllr Stuart Hughes, said: 'In most communities 30mph restrictions are the most appropriate and are the norm.

'In some locations 20mph may be appropriate, for example, where there are a high number of vulnerable road users and where average speeds are generally already lower.

'Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are committed to, and support the introduction of 20mph restrictions where appropriate.'

West Devon borough, county and town Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'We would like a safer option, which means cutting the speed limit down.

'I am supportive of anything which helps make driving around Okehampton safer for everybody.

'Bringing in 20mph speed limits where necessary, is a great way of doing that.'