General Discussion

I throw this into the shall we/shan't we have a supermarket debate. If Dawlish were to have a larger supermarket, irrespective of where it was built, the road system here wouldn't be able to cope would it? Surely we can all agree on that. We have one road in and one road out. Plus that ****** portico in Starcross causes mayhem anytime anything large meets anything also large coming the other way. We all know what the tailbacks can be like in Summer don't we? So, envisage this. Dawlish has new supermarket. Portico in Starcross stays put. One road into Dawlish, one road out. Can large lorries/juggernauts navigate their way around that very tight bend leading out of Dawlish towards Exeter that goes passed the Animals in Distress charity shop? Yes? No?

Can I suggest that the arrival of a new supermarket (wherever located) may bring with it the arrival of new roads (a relief road for example?). Is that environmentally friendly? I thought one of the main thrusts of Dawlish 'needing' a supermarket was to discourage car journeys not to encourage them. Just some thoughts. I await comments.

I think maybe somebody should have thought of a new road system before we allowed Costcutters, Coop and Boots in that case then. How often do we get caught up in tailbacks, just trying to get through Dawlish town, which are caused by delivery lorries and all the private hire cars which are all illegally or double parked along the main street, also are we going to stop thousands of caravans which cause major tailbacks in Starcross in the height of summer? no! i dont think so. Maybe something will have to be done to improve the road traffic system, but dont make Tescos the scapegoat in all this!

I wouldn't worry about the volume of traffic in and out of Dawlish because i think it's in the pipeline to put a road via sandy lane, past the leisure centre and out the back of secmaton.

Yes Knowall I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the lane part of Sandy Lane becoming an actual road that leads into Secmaton. However, even if that were to happen it would only mean that there would be two more ways to access and leave the Exeter Road wouldn't it? I mean, it wouldn't necessarily reduce the volume of traffic on the Exeter Road would it? No, I am talking about a much bigger road. A bypass perhaps? What route would it take and what land would it cross?

Anon - I'm not blaming Tesco for this. I am merely suggesting that the arrival of a supermarket (of whatever brand and wherever located in the vicinity of Dawlish) may be the catalyst for such highway development. There would still be the problem of accessing Dawlish town centre for very large vehicles unless of course certain buildings were knocked down and the road widened.

I am simply posing some thoughts that's all about Dawlish's traffic problem and its present road system and how that might, MIGHT please note, be addressed. And whether or not that would be a good thing.

I understand your concern about the problems that could arise if they go ahead with a supermarket with regards to these big delivery lorries but these drivers are professionals unlike the idiots who come down every year on holiday and cause mayhem. This year throughout the summer season i went to Teignmouth to do my shopping, not because i wanted to. The fact that with all the holiday makers taking up parking spaces and walking through town without a care getting their supplies for the week it would take bloody hours to get what i wanted. Surely if they were to build on the outskirts all the holiday makers could go there first leaving the town accessible then i could support my local shops and i would not have to drive. So technically it should ease the traffic jams in town and not cause them.

So everyone that comes to Devon is an 'idiot' now. Oh dear what the heck is a matter with Dawlish people.
I order my shop online so you car drivers do what you like..I also go by bus and have no problem with that and you would have to too if your sight does not allow the pass required.
If the bus doesnt go where and when I want to .. you have to just put up with it.

Would those idiots and holiday makers be those self same people that pump money into the local economy during the summer?

What about the Idiot drivers that live here today I drove behind a car going 40 in a 60 mph limit they hit Kenton and hey presto their speed went up Its about time people stopped knocking tourists they keep the town going

Of course those holidaymakers may not pump quite so much money into the local economy if there is a big supermarket near to town. Just think of all that dosh going into Mr Tesco's or Mr Sainsbury's pockets cos it certainly won't be going into the local shops that's for sure.

Firstly i would like to apologize or calling all holiday makers who drive "idiots" perhaps it was a bit strong. The thing is that when someone drives over Jubilee bridge the wrong way or tries to drive up the Strand it does become rather annoying. So its only a small percentage that come under the "idiot" category. Then we have the percentage of what i call walking idiots who like to step in front of your car especially the ones who like to cross the road by the tourist informaion center because their to lazy to walk 20 yards to the crossing. I'm all for people visiting Dawlish its a lovely place but i wish some of them would just have a bit of common sense. It's not a holiday complex like Butlins it's a living breathing working town.

Very true .. many shops must be thinking of 'upsticks' right now. I see no reason really to stay put.. the holiday people will shop up Exeter Road with the FREE parking, the locals are queing already lol, so trade surely has to be limited in town.