Police step up patrols to enforce Bovey Tracey school road closure

Police have stepped up patrols to prevent drivers from flouting road closure rules during pick up and drop off times at Bovey Tracey Primary School. 

In response to concerns raised by residents, the Ashburton and Chudleigh neighbourhood police teams have joined forces with the school to improve road safety.

Abbey Road, leading to the school, is closed at peak times but drivers have been ignoring the signs and continuing to drive through, sparking concern for child safety and prompting the local police to enforce the rules. 

After concerns were raised by parents of the school, officers have intervened and are now preventing cars from entering the road during peak school hours. 

Devon County Council state on its website the temporary prohibition for traffic will be between the hours of 8.30am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 3.30pm. 

The council has also noted that 'no person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed on the sections of affected
roads, except for access to land or premises on or adjacent to those lengths of road', ensuring that home owners can still access their houses. 

Police have warned that if the rules continue to be broken, they will be handing out fixed penalty notices. 

The road, closed during school hours for the past few years, offers a direct and safe route to the school entrance, avoiding the hazards of a typical busy road. However, non-compliant vehicles jeopardise the safety of the children and disrupt the usual safe route.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Paul Wilson highlighted the recent concerns: "The school, parents, and residents have raised alarms about several vehicles not complying with the road closure outside the school, despite multiple signs and letters indicating restricted usage during peak school times. This poses a significant risk to the safety of the children."

Routine patrols conducted by the police have focused on the primary school during peak drop-off and pick-up times, aiming to increase police visibility and deter unauthorised vehicles.

PCSO Paul Wilson emphasised the importance of compliance: "Our visits involve engaging with drivers to stress the significance of adhering to the road closure, ensuring children's safety. Additionally, reducing idle vehicles contributes to improved air quality. Non-compliant vehicles may receive penalty notices."

The police presence aims to make a positive impact on neighbourhood safety and PCSO Wilson encouraged community engagement: "It's been a great opportunity to connect with our local community and understand issues important to them. If you see us on patrols, please come and say hello; it's great to meet the people we're here to protect."

The traffic restriction is enforced during school term times on Cromwell’s Way and Abbey Road from 8.25 – 9.05am and in the afternoon from 2.45 to 3.25pm.