Safety in our community is deeply personal to us. As residents of North Tawton, we have dared to endure the danger that comes with the inadequate street lighting and narrow pavements along the 30mph zone from the Roundabout High Street to Cottles View. Our children and pedestrians are especially at risk when travelling this path. This pathway is not optional for many; it's a part of their daily commute to school or work.

Currently, the lack of sufficient street lighting paired with the precipitous pathway pose a high-risk situation that is no longer acceptable or sustainable. Without proper lighting, visibility is severely compromised, increasing the likelihood of accidents. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) states that around 40% of collisions occur during the hours of darkness. Similarly, narrow pavements are a known safety concern, often forcing pedestrians closer to the road, and hence, nearer to danger.

There are valid solutions to this problem. Mainly, the required installation of street lights in the specified area on the opposite side of the road, to protect the trees with preservation orders, will significantly improve vision and safety, especially for school children and pedestrians. An urban environment should not have regions that are detrimental to the safety of its residents – we urgently need our local authorities to step up and make the necessary changes to secure their constituents' safety. 

Sign this petition to ask our local decision-makers in West Devon Borough Council  and Devon County Council to ensure the installation of robust street lighting along the High Street to Cottles View. It's time to move from the sidelines to the lime-light of safety, visibility, and community well-being and not put tree preservation over the safety of our children.