Warning to take care on roads and coast paths

Devon County Council is urging people to take care on the county’s roads and coast paths over the weekend.

Almost 5 miles (7.6km) of the south west coast path between Axmouth and near to the Devon/Dorset border at Lyme Regis has been shut this afternoon due to damage to the path caused by an active landslip.

Notices have been placed on site in liaison with the land managers, Natural England, and the path will be closed until further notice. The County Council will be investigating with Natural England what remedial works can be undertaken or whether an alternative route can be found.

Rain is forecast to continue today with some heavy bursts and up to 10mm possible in localised areas, which could cause localised flooding on the local road network.

Although this should ease overnight and Saturday is expected to be drier, more torrential downpours and strong winds are predicted to hit the county throughout Sunday. As it is falling on already saturated ground there could be surface water problems on the county’s roads which may cause travel disruption.

Conditions could be further complicated overnight on Sunday and into Monday morning with road surface temperatures set to plunge below freezing. People travelling on the county’s highways are being urged to take extra care, and be aware of possible icy conditions during Monday’s travel to work period.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Anyone planning a walk along the coast path this weekend should check the weather forecast before setting out. The amount of rain we’re having can affect the stability of some cliffs, as we have seen with the closure at Axmouth, so please stay back from cliff edges, and let someone know where you are going and what time you are likely to be back.

“With the amount of rainfall we’re experiencing today and what’s expected on Sunday, Devon’s roads may experience flooding and surface water problems. This may cause disruption and we would urge everyone to be alert to the conditions and travel with care. It may well become a very mixed picture overnight on Sunday into Monday morning with the risk of ice, particularly on higher ground and untreated roads. Please pay close attention to local weather forecasts.”

Motorists are being reminded of the following advice:

• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;
• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;
• Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions;
• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, check to see how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;
• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.

As well as following the Countryside Code, users of the South West Coast Path are asked to remember:

• Staying safe is your own responsibility - please look after yourself and other members of your group;
• Keep to the path and stay away from cliff edges - please follow advisory signs and waymarks;
• Take special care of children and dogs – please look after them at all times;
• Dress sensibly for the terrain and weather - wear suitable clothing and footwear and be ready for possible changes in the weather;
• In an emergency dial 999 o