A major traffic survey, coupled with professional advice, has painted a black picture of the future of traffic in Dawlish should more than 700 homes be built eventually in the rural Secmaton area of the town.
Pressure group Dawlish Against Ruining Everything (DARE) has produced a detailed analysis of the impact on Dawlish 'and the conclusions do not augur well for the future of the town,' a spokesman said this week.
DARE warns of large increases in traffic congestion – pictured right is the Strand, Dawlish, at Tuesday lunchtime looking busy enough – and believes the Strand and Exeter Road bear the greatest risk.
'gridlock conditions look certain to worsen and occur far more frequently.
'Exeter Road traffic levels in the winter will be 90/95 per cent of current summer levels and summer levels will increase by 28/32 per cent,' said a statement.
'Strand traffic in winter will be five per cent higher than current all ready horrendous summer levels and summer traffic will increase by 16 per cent.'
More traffic will cause aggravated problems at the seven major road junctions with the Exeter Road between Carhaix Way and Tuck's Plot in the town centre, which distance covers schools, housing and a sports complex.
Severest problems will be at the junctions with High Street and the Strand, and in summer with Warren Road.
'These are matters of extreme concern as the Exeter Road is the sole primary route into and out of town. Furthermore the provision of a relief bypass is not practical on both cost and environmental grounds,' said the statement.
The situation will put more pressure on rat runs like Newlands, Gatehouse Hill, Strand Hill and Stockton Hill.
Traffic in Teignmouth Road is expected to rise by 15 per cent in summer and 22-24 per cent winter. Queues on Teignmouth Hill into dawlish will be heavier and more frequent.
Extra traffic is expected through Starcross, Kenton and onwards. An extra 1.040 journeys a day each way will add to inconvenience, since lack of employment in the area means many people will travel to Exeter.
DARE has sent copies of its findings to the respective parish councils.
The statement said: 'In summary, DARE's analysis clearly indicates that the scale of housing developments in the Local Plan are unsustainable on traffic grounds.
'The impact on local service traffic on in-town streets will raise frequency of congestion with attendant fumes, noise, pollution, and accidents.
'Extensive traffic will make Dawlish unattractive to locals and holidaymakers.'
DARE wondered where this left the other 500 to 600 homes which Teignbridge has estimated are being built across the town as a result of existing planning consents.
'How can proposals leading to road congestion be compatible with the stated objectives of promoting and developing the area for tourism?' asked the statement.
q A copy of the full report can be seen at Dawlish Library, or by contacting DARE secretary sandra Fabry on 01626 866007.