‘Something needs to be done’ as locals call for Tavistock ring road over congestion

Traffic congestion in Tavistock is fuelling renewed debate over whether the town needs a bypass or ring road, with residents voicing frustration at daily delays.

Many say a combination of roadworks, new housing developments and limited transport alternatives has left Tavistock’s roads under constant pressure. 

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“Tavistock’s infrastructure was not designed for this amount of development around the town,” said one resident. 

Another argued: “Infrastructure before houses. No more house building until roads, health services, a train station and schools are provided.”

Several residents believe only a bypass would ease the problem. “In reality Tavistock needs a ring road,” one local wrote, recalling that plans were discussed in the 1990s but never built.

Others, however, warned a bypass could damage the town centre economy.

“A bypass would take all passing trade out of the town – they have killed many a town centre,” commented another.

Environmental concerns have also been raised and some residents fear a new road could cut through areas of natural beauty and farmland, while others say the costs of land and construction make the idea unrealistic.

Alternative suggestions include reopening the long-discussed rail link between Tavistock and Plymouth, introducing a park-and-ride scheme, or improving pedestrian crossings and traffic flow in the town centre.

Despite differing views, there is agreement that traffic congestion is having a negative impact.

“Something needs to be done, I’ve seen and heard people already saying they won’t visit Tavistock because of the traffic,” said one local. 

Another added: “The town is slowly suffocating. Surgeries are overwhelmed, properties are unaffordable, and flooding issues will only get worse with more building.”

The bigger question remains whether new infrastructure, a bypass, or alternative measures can keep pace with the town’s future growth.

To share your view, contact The Moorlander at news@themoorlander.co.uk