Report on school 20mph zones consultation summer 2025
Torbay Council commissioned WSP to undertake analysis and reportingfor a consultation related to 20mph speed limit zones around selected schools in Paignton and Torquay.
Currently the schools have advisory 20mph speed signage, with flashing lights to warn motorists of this. An example of such a sign is shown to the right. The lack of a red circle around the number denotes that this is an advisory limit and not enforceable.
The proposals are to put in place 20mph mandatory speed limits to be in force at all times alongside other traffic calming measures to reduce traffic speeds and create a more friendly environment for non motorised users. The areas covered by these speed limits include some surrounding residential roads which are well-used by schoolchildren travelling to and from the schools.
The six new zones covered by this consultation are in addition to a further six zones being introduced this year at other schools in Paignton and Torquay.
All the schools included in the proposals are on or near roads with heavy traffic and a high level of potential pedestrian to vehicle conflict.
Evidence demonstrates that lower vehicle speeds contribute to improved road safety for all users, including pedestrians, by reducing the number and severity of collisions. Further to this, slower vehicle speeds improve visibility for road users, giving drivers more time to react to pedestrians.
Additional benefits of lower traffic speeds include the presence of less noise and fewer exhaust emissions. This improves air quality locally and benefits the quality of life and health of everyone in the area.
The new permanent speed limit zones will be in operation at all times and can be enforced by the police, unlike the current ‘advisory’ limits.
The speed limit within the zone will be highlighted through a combination of 20mph entry and exit signs at the entrances and exits to the zone. These will have a red circular border (as with existing 30mph signs) to indicate that these are mandatory and can be enforced by police.
Repeater signs (roundels) may be located on lighting columns within the zone, as well as painted roundels on the ground showing the 20mph limit.
Maps of the proposals in each area can be found in Appendix A of the report.
The proposals include changes to the speed limit and traffic calming measures in the following locations in Paignton:
Paignton Academy
Advisory 20mph limit upgraded to mandatory in Borough Road and Tor Park Road, extends in Tor Park Road past junction with Blackthorn Way and in Borough Road past junction with Longstone Road; Longstone Road, including Drake's Road and Kingsland Drive; Pennine Drive between Borough Road and Stoke Road; includes Snowdonia Close, Cambrian Close, Brecon Close, Grampian Close.
Roselands School
Advisory 20mph limit upgraded to mandatory in Roselands Drive, extends to junction with Sandtown Road and past junction with Haytor Avenue; includes Hennock Road, Porlock Way, Lulworth Close, Lynmouth Avenue, Rushlade Close, Haytor Avenue, Mena Park Close.
Curledge Street Academy
Advisory 20mph limit upgraded to mandatory in Dartmouth Road; existing mandatory 20mph limit stays in Elmsleigh Road, Grosvenor Road, Curledge Street and Midvale Road.
Preston Primary School
Advisory 20mph limit in Old Paignton Road upgraded to mandatory and extends to part of Roundhill Road and part of Cockington Lane
The proposals include changes to the speed limit and traffic calming measures in the following locations in Torquay:
Sherwell Valley Primary School (extended scheme)
Advisory 20mph limit upgraded to mandatory in Hawkins Avenue, extends to junction with Upper Cockington Lane and past junction with Sherwell Valley Road to meet existing 20mph zone. Upper Cockington Lane towards junction with Marldon Road / Shiphay Avenue, includes junction with Courtland Road; Drake Avenue to junction with Nut Bush Lane; includes Armada Crescent, Frobisher Green.
Ilsham Church of England Academy (extended scheme)
Advisory 20mph limit outside school in Ilsham Road upgraded to mandatory; includes lane at the side of school between Babbacombe Road and Ilsham Road, St Matthias Church Road, Ashton Terrace, Cleve Terrace, Kents Lane; extends on Ilsham Road to meet existing 20mph zone at junctions with Ilsham Marine Drive; includes Meadfoot Sea Road between Ilsham Road and junction with Daddyhole Road and Hesketh Terrace