12 December 2006
Slow down on Dartmoor
New devices to help reduce speeding on Dartmoor’s moorland roads will be deployed this winter by Dartmoor National Park Authority. The devices, known as speed visors, have been purchased with the assistance of the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society and Devon County Council and will be used at four moorland locations where there is a relative high level of accidents involving vehicles and livestock.
When triggered by a speeding motorist, the mandatory 40 mph speed limit will flash, reminding the driver of the speed limit and raising awareness. The use of speed visors in locations across the country has been shown to be effective in lowering average speeds.
The four locations at which the equipment will be used on Dartmoor are: Pork Hill, near Merrivale; Bennett’s Cross, near the Warren House Inn; Sharpitor, on Walkhampton Common; and Haytor Down.
The speed visors will be used at each location for short periods of time and will be moved from site to site by the Authority’s Ranger Service. Both the equipment and the pole on which it is mounted will be removed when not in use, ensuring no lasting impact on the landscape.
Phil Markham, Principal Planning Officer (Forward Planning and Community) Dartmoor National Park Authority said:
‘We hope that the use of the speed visors will be of real benefit in improving road safety and in reducing accidents involving vehicles and livestock on these moorland roads. In making this happen, Dartmoor National Park Authority is grateful to Devon County Council for its technical advice and support and the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society for its enthusiasm and funding, which has made the purchase of the equipment possible.’
Drive with Moor Care this winter
Speed kills
Country roads have special dangers. Dartmoor's winding, narrow and undulating roads demand special care:-
•always drive according to the road conditions - in particular, at this time of year excess surface water, the risk of icy patches and poor visibility present additional hazards
•think ahead and be aware of what's around you, as well as in front and behind
•observe the 40 mph moorland speed limits. They are imposed for safety - yours and all other road users.
Please also remember that roads aren't just for cars or other vehicles. Farming and recreation are important on Dartmoor, so always expect the unexpected and watch out for:-
•grazing livestock near the side of the moorland roads;
•livestock resting, particularly at night, on the roads;
•slow moving agricultural vehicles;
•cyclists, sometimes two abreast or hidden round a bend;
•young, nervous or inexperienced horses and their riders;
•walkers, often with children;
•wildlife, such as foxes and badgers, especially at night.
Ends
Filming/photo opportunity
Dartmoor National Park Authority Ranger Service will be installing the first of the speed visors at 11 am on Thursday 14 December 2006, at Sharpitor car park on the B3212, Princetown/ Yelverton road (Ordnance Survey grid reference SX 560 708). For further information please contact Phil Markham, Principal Planning Officer (Forward Planning and Community) or Rob Steemson, Head of Ranger and Volunteer Service on (01626) 832093.
For Further Information from Dartmoor National Park Authority
Phil Markham, Principal Planning Officer (Forward Planning and Community)
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer
Tel: (01626) 832093
For Further Information from the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society
Ann Anderson, Secretary,
Tel: (01364) 73121
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's website The Agendas are placed on the Authority's web site 7 days in advance of the meetings.
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority (see www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on In the news).
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Notes for Editors
Dartmoor National Park Authority, together with the Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership, Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police teamed up earlier this year to arrange a media event in Princetown to raise awareness of the need for safer driving on the roads of Dartmoor and on the roads approaching the moor. The purchase of the speed visors is part of the ongoing campaign for safe driving on Dartmoor.
Speed visors have been used by Devon County Council on Dartmoor in the past. This has been for short periods, as part of speed awareness campaigns, but the demands for use of the equipment around the county means that it has not been permanently based within the National Park. This new equipment has been purchased, for exclusive use on Dartmoor, with the aid of a generous financial contribution from the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, covering most of the cost of the equipment and its installation.
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,400 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 12 December 2006
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Page updated 11 December 2006
