COMMUNITIES in Mid and East Devon had the chance to have their say on possible new approaches to improving road safety in their area.

The consultation was part of the Countrymile project aimed at improving safety on rural roads over the next two years, targeting the area between Exeter and Barnstaple, bordered by the A361, the A377 and the A396.

Devon County Council is one of four Beacon authorities to receive £1.5 million of funding from the Department of Transport to research problems facing road users to find how to reduce casualties in rural areas.

Consultation exhibitions held at Shobrooke, Thorverton and Upton Pyne have focussed specifically on the unclassified roads within the area of the A377 Exeter to Crediton road, the A3072 Crediton to Bickleigh, and the A396 Bickleigh to Exeter.

Devon County Council's Countrymile project team held nine short presentation and consultation sessions at the three venues.

Residents and road users were invited to the informal sessions to discuss, comment on and ask questions about some of the ideas under consideration to improve rural road safety.

Councillor Michael Lee, Devon County Councillor for Newton St Cyres and Sandford, said: "The consultation was a good chance for local residents to take part in this groundbreaking project.

"Whatever form of transport you use, whether on foot, horseback, or on two, four - or more - wheels, your views can still be a helpful addition to this work.

"The more feedback that is gathered the better information the project has to work with in putting together its strategies and road safety measures for the benefit of everyone in the area."

The Devon Countrymile is one of the most in-depth programmes ever attempted to improve the safety of rural roads in the county, by exploring a range of education, enforcement and engineering measures.