A SUGGESTION to lower speed limits on all roads on Exmoor has been rejected by national park authority members.

The authority said a ‘blanket approach’ to reducing speed should not be ‘a first option’ without clear evidence or trialing of alternatives.

Members said there was ‘space on Exmoor’s road network for all users and traffic speed was not ‘the primary and singular issue’ on the rural network.

They considered other factors involved were overgrown roadside vegetation affecting sight lines, damage to road surfaces, and ‘lack of mutual respect’ between user groups.

Park authority members expressed concern about a statement that traffic speeds in some areas were likely to make rural road sections unsuitable for most active travel.

They suggested measures to mitigate the issues could be taken forward by working with parish councils, and putting up signage which thanked drivers for giving space to other road users could be a positive start.

Members agreed, however, it was important to be mindful of the ‘diversity of road users’, which included walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, and it should be recognised that what may not be a concern for one person, may be disconcerting to somebody else less confident or proficient in their chosen activity.

The authority supported the benefits of active travel, including improving physical and mental health, reducing carbon emissions, reducing the impact of motor vehicles, providing transport independence and choice, and supporting the Exmoor economy.

Members endorsed an Exmoor Active Travel Plan which outlined a range of strategic proposals and high priority infrastructure opportunities aimed at identifying projects eligible for funding bids and a focus on proposals likely to enable the greatest number of new active travel journeys.

However, they were concerned traffic speed could put people off if they had to use sections of main road to connect from one stretch of traffic-free route to another.