UNOFFICIAL 20mph signs are to be erected on several Crediton roads in a bid to keep children safe.

Crediton Town Council has agreed to buy 25 green-ringed “20’s Plenty” signs and put them up in roads around Haywards Primary School, Landscore Primary School, the Town Square and Belle Parade (which runs parallel to the play park in Newcombes Meadow).

Twenty’s Plenty signs are advisory and not legally enforceable speed limits.

Cllr Jim Cairney, who also represents Crediton at Devon County Council, explained to town councillors that these advisory limits do not need to go through the normal lengthy process of approval, but rather just need the assent of the county’s highways department, which has been given.

“The Department for Transport estimates that a 1mph lower speed in built-up areas reduces road casualties by 6 per cent,” said a report to the town council, prepared by Cllr Vix Frisby.

“Successful 20mph schemes result in 30 per cent fewer casualties.

“[Speeds of] 20mph reduce tail-pipe emissions by 25 per cent compared with 30mph and are 50 per cent quieter. They also encourage more cycling and walking.

“Twenty’s Plenty schemes provide multiple economic, societal and environmental benefits at low cost.

“The locations have been chosen to promote safer roads in areas where there are often children walking or playing.

“Signs can be purchased locally and printed on 5mm foamex to allow versatility in how/where they are secured.

“Signs cost £9.85 each based on a minimum order quantity of 50.

“Copplestone Parish Council is also looking to purchase signs so this minimum requirement can be achieved. Total cost for 25 signs will be £246.25.”

Crediton Town Councillors voted in favour of the scheme at a community committee meeting on Tuesday, October 27.

Cllr Giles Fawssett described the move as a “step in the right direction”.