While accepting that the Council is facing ‘budget
uncertainties’, we want you to revisit your decision to
postpone indefinitely the planned programme of work to this section
of the A39. We do not believe you have understood the impact of the
long-standing defects.
Stating that a road safety inspection is carried out monthly does
not reassure us. We believe that dozens of reports have been made
through DCC's 'report a problem' site of the potholes, uneven
surfaces and at least one cycling injury.
Given the level of deterioration, further patching is not an
adequate or economic solution and might incur significant claims
against the Council’s public liability insurance for damage
or injury. To navigate the poor road surface, all vehicles –
but cyclists and motorcyclists in particular – have to swerve
across this narrow road with poor visibility and blind
corners.
The A39 is the main route along the whole North Devon coast, a
significant route into Lynton and Lynmouth, and a much-recommended
scenic route used by:
- residents & local businesses
- heavy delivery traffic & coaches (having no other route
options)
- motorcyclists & cyclists (Regional Cycle Network Route
51)
- significant numbers of visitors who are vital to the local
economy, including those travelling to the ever-popular National
Trust Watersmeet.
Tourists to the area were commenting on the poor state of the road
in 2019, and Devon County Council’s [lack of] maintenance of
the A39 has become a standing joke. We are concerned that this
‘joke’ will begin to deter visitors and cause serious
injury or damage to a user of the road.
Therefore, we are calling on Devon County Council to urgently bring
forward its plans to resurface this section of the A39.
Started by: Vendela Fortune
This ePetition ran from 28/03/2021 to 14/05/2021 and has now finished.
120 people signed this ePetition.