PEDESTRIAN crossings on what has been dubbed the 'most aggressive roundabout in Newton Abbot' are due to be in place by the end of March.
Traffic at Balls Corner roundabout has increased due to residential development, Jetty Marsh Road and retail development in Kingsteignton, and something must be done 'before the money runs out by March of next year', said county councillor Graham Wickham.
'Pedestrians are closer to the traffic than anywhere in the town. Fortunately there has been no serious accident as yet,' he told the highways and traffic orders committee on Friday.
Cllr Wickham said that there had been a collision between a car and a motorised disabled scooter on the approach to the roundabout and broken headlights frequently litter the busy roads.
Though the roundabout has been in place since the early 80s, still pedestrians are waiting for a safe place to cross, he told the committee.
'I appeal for this committee to press for a positive action plan to ensure that the crossings are constructed before the money runs out.'
Schemes for two toucan crossings at Newton Road and Jetty Marsh Road were approved last November and cycle routes were approved by the committee in 2001.
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The Fire Authority has raised concern about the toucan crossings delaying response times – an issue that will be addressed in the plans.
Consideration will also be given to the busy corridor of retail units and the racecourse on Newton Road.
Local services officer Graham Heath said: 'The aim is to deliver the scheme within the financial year, as promised.'
Plans for the scheme are at an advanced stage and further discussions are due to take place at the December meeting of the committee.