Posted on: 14 January 2019A public consultation has been launched by Devon County Council today (Monday 14 January) to seek people's views on improving air quality and traffic flow on Western Road, Ivybridge.Western Road (B3213) in Ivybridge is classified as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). Studies have shown that the on-street parking on the road, between the A38 roundabout and Marjorie Kelly Way roundabout, causes traffic congestion and a build-up of nitrogen dioxide levels.South Hams District Council’s 'Air Quality Action Plan' is recommending the removal of the parking spaces on this section of Western Road and Devon County Council is holding a consultation looking at options for the relocation of the parking spaces.The first option would be to relocate parking to all of the existing verge to the north of Western Road and south of Wayside. The old fire station area could be used to provide improvements for pedestrians.The alternative option would use some of the verge between Western Road and Wayside for the relocated parking spaces as well as the old fire station site. This option allows more green space to be retained.Both options involve double yellow lines being introduced on Western Road where on-street parking is removed. Footpaths on the northern edge of Western Road would be widened to a minimum of 1.6 metres, and the old fire station would be demolished.People are also being asked for their views on proposals to move Rose Cottage bus stop eastwards, moving it away from the western end of Western Road where it can cause queuing on the entry to the roundabout.Permit parking is being considered for the new parking on Wayside verge, and people are asked for their feedback on the spaces being included in permit zone C, or whether they should be allocated to specific houses or left unallocated.

Councillor Stuart HughesCouncillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: "This is an opportunity for people to have their say on these options to improve the air quality on Western Road and we're keen to hear people's feedback. The responses from the consultation will inform a preferred scheme option, and a report will go before the South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee at a later date."

Cllr Roger CroadCouncillor Roger Croad, Devon County Councillor for Ivybridge, said: "All the extra housing, existing and scheduled, on the Eastern side of town will inevitably put extra pressure on an already very busy Western Road so it makes sense to take this opportunity to ease the pressure and increase the traffic flow to prevent vehicles idling while waiting for a space to pass parked vehicles. The movement of the bus stop eastwards to a wider part of the road also makes sense to prevent vehicles waiting while buses take on and discharge passengers. The whole scheme can only assist air quality on Western Road.”Councillor Nicky Hopwood, Executive Member for Environmental Health at South Hams District Council, said: “It's important that we get on top of the air quality issue on Western Road in Ivybridge. The improvements to the traffic flow and widening the footpath along this stretch of road will make life much easier for people who live, work and socialise in Ivybridge, as well as helping reduce the impact of poor air quality. Of course, this will be a contentious issue for those who currently live on Western Road and Wayside, but I'm pleased that this consultation will give them the opportunity to contribute to the discussion and produce a satisfactory outcome.”An exhibition of the parking options, staffed by members of the project team, will take place at Ivybridge Library on Tuesday 22 January between 2pm and 7pm.The consultation continues until Sunday 3 March, and the feedback form can be completed online at devon.cc/westernroad(Computers with internet access are available at all Devon libraries, including Ivybridge Library).Alternatively, feedback forms will be available at the consultation event and they can be emailed to: [email protected] post to: Transport Planning Team, AB2 Lucombe House, County Hall, Topsham Rd, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4QDIf you require more information, or a different format, please email: [email protected] or write to the above address.