The commitment to road safety is clearly visible in Ottery, as exemplified by the proposed 20-mile speed limit in the town.

This commitment is further solidified by previous initiatives, such as the 2018 report on traffic and parking issues and the Coleridge Bridge in the Land of Canaan. It is worth noting that the Community Speedwatch program also plays a crucial role in fostering a safer community by enlisting dedicated volunteers to support these endeavours.

As part of the Neighbourhood Plan projects 10 and 11, the Regeneration group traffic subcommittee created a thorough report on traffic, parking, and related issues in Ottery St Mary in March 2019. The report, approved by the Town Council, provides valuable information for the development of a town regeneration project. The Council requested the sub-group to anticipate ways to improve traffic control, provide sufficient parking facilities, and create a more enjoyable shopping experience for residents and visitors over the next thirty plus years. This report is an important step towards developing a sustainable and pleasant community for all.

It contains extensive feedback gathered from diverse groups in the town, including school children, almost 200 residents of all ages, and businesses. The study is one of the most comprehensive projects ever undertaken, and its recommendations are critical for the welfare of all road users. One of the key proposals is to reduce the speed limit to 20mph in areas where there are narrow or no footpaths, which could significantly improve the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

In order to enhance the safety of students who walk or cycle to The King's School, the Coleridge Bridge was constructed over a span of more than 70 meters as a safer alternative to the narrow Barrack Road sidewalk leading to the town centre. This project was funded by a number of sources, including the council, Lottery Fund, Department for Transport, Sainsbury's, and the Thorne Park Estate, and came to a total cost of £990,000. The design and execution of the project was overseen by Clarkson & Woods, the Ecological Consultants, in partnership with East Devon District Council and Sustrans.

Prior to commencing work, the team developed a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) that was approved by the appropriate authorities and shared with the project team. The plan included robust measures to protect ecological features and species, with special emphasis placed on preventing the spread of Himalayan balsam. Additionally, the team constructed bat boxes on the riverbank trees to enhance the habitat for bats in the area. Thanks to their diligent efforts, the project was nominated for South West small civil engineering project of 2012.

In August 2011, the Coleridge Bridge was officially opened by Mayor Glyn Dobson, named after Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Reverend Tim Treanor and Charlie Plowden from East Devon District Council attended the ceremony, and Anitra Lockwood became the first person to cross the bridge. Lockwood won a competition with the Town Council, and her suggestion was chosen at random from other suggestions.

When the newly built bridge was opened in Ottery, it was celebrated with an inauguration event at Land of Canaan. The Women's Institute set up a cake stall, and the Rotary club organized a duck race from the bridge to the Millennium Footbridge along the Otter. The King's School children are privileged to have such a magnificent bridge in their area for their daily school commute.

In order to effectively implement speed limits, it’s crucial that we take into account the diverse perspectives and opinions of local authorities, residents, volunteers, and traders. The 2018 report highlights the significance of considering various factors to improve the town and ensure the safety of its inhabitants. The subcommittee members have recommended that progress in this area can only be made by changing our mindset and launching an extensive informational and educational public relations campaign, similar in scope to the regeneration project. It's imperative that we approach this matter with the seriousness it deserves and respond appropriately.