New 40mph speed limit proposed for stretch of A396 near Exeter

Devon County Council has launched a public consultation on plans to introduce a permanent 40mph speed limit on a section of the A396 at Stoke Canon, near Exeter.

The proposal, which runs until 30 April 2026, follows engineering works carried out to stabilise the edge of the carriageway along the affected stretch of road.

A temporary 30mph speed limit is currently in force while those works are completed. However, the council says a permanent reduction from the national speed limit is needed to address ongoing safety concerns once the highway works conclude.

ABOVE: A map showing the proposed location of the new 40mph speed limit on the A396 at Stoke Canon. Map: Devon County Council

In its statement of reasons, Devon County Council said the restrictions are intended to prevent danger to people and other road users, improve the flow of all traffic including pedestrians, and preserve or improve the amenities of the surrounding area.

The consultation is being conducted under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Residents and interested parties are invited to submit their views in writing before the deadline. All responses will be considered by the Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC), though receipt of submissions may not be individually acknowledged.

The council has advised that comments will be anonymised before being shared with committee members or published on its website. Personal data will be handled in accordance with the council's privacy notice.

Draft order documents, plans, and the full statement of reasons are available to view online at devon.cc/tro. They can also be viewed in person during normal office hours at County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter. Free computer access to view documents is available at Devon Libraries during opening hours.

Objections and comments should be submitted in writing, either online via the council's website or by post to the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD, to arrive no later than 30 April 2026.