Totnes High Street
Whilst so many high streets have become indistinguishable clones, Totnes is unique. Its rich mix of independents and physical beauty are the draw for shoppers from near and far. I started the day feeling that all that was needed was pedestrianisation to improve the experience of strolling up and down the high street. If only it were that straightforward; after talking with retailers and the Chair of the Chamber of Commerce I am concerned that pedestrianisation could kill off the very businesses that are the heart of Totnes. In fact a fully pedestrianised high street is impossible; many of the businesses have no other access at all for deliveries. If they all had to have deliveries before 9am, what impact would that have on residents and how would the the street cope with all the delivery traffic at the same time? One retailer volunteered to phone anyone who would like him to be available for a 6am delivery every day at the same time to point out how inconvenient it would be to run a small family business with even more antisocial hours. Would there be an exemption for blue badge holders? What about residents and emergency services? What about Bob the bus and taxis? There is also the fact that there has never, thankfully, been a fatal accident on the high street, but in areas where partial pedestrianisation has been introduced, it seems that this proves even more dangerous as pedestrians are not expecting traffic and tend to take less care.
Roy and Bernard Apps pointed out that Royberns saw a 35-40% drop in business during last year's roadworks when the road was closed. With businesses already facing rate rises of over 15%, they cannot afford to see a drop in custom. Some businesses, like Totnes Pet and Garden, rely on cars being able to load heavy goods at the front door. Who would choose to walk with heavy sacks of pet food to the nearest car park; is there is a risk that they might chose to shop elsewhere?
By the end of the day, I was left feeling that more severe speed restrictions and a change of philosophy might be better. Why should vehicles have the right of way over pedestrians? If there were a walking speed restriction on the high street, this would deter those who inappropriately use the high street as a rat run. Less that 5 miles per hour would be sufficiently infuriating to through traffic without deterring those who are coming to support local businesses. What do you think?
