Torbay residents, visitors and business owners are being invited to take part in a public consultation about Abbey Gates Junction in Torquay.
Torbay Council is considering improvements to pedestrian and cycle crossings at the junction and wants to hear people’s views and experiences.
The aim is to make the junction safer, more accessible and more convenient for people walking, wheeling (people using wheeled mobility aids) and cycling, while continuing to manage traffic effectively.
Abbey Gates Junction is a large, busy junction located just outside the gates of Torre Abbey, close to the Riviera International Centre, the seafront, Torquay Rugby Club and Cockington Primary School.
The junction connects Walnut Road, Chestnut Avenue, Avenue Road, Falkland Road (from two directions), The King’s Drive and the entrance to Torre Abbey.
With seven roads meeting at the junction and no signalled pedestrian crossings, many people find it challenging to use—particularly at peak times. While traffic lights control vehicle movements, pedestrians must negotiate the junction without formal crossings, which has led to concerns about safety and accessibility.
Torbay Council is seeking feedback from a wide range of people, including residents, commuters, businesses, parents, schoolchildren, older people, visitors and anyone who travels through the area—whether on foot, by wheelchair or mobility aid, bike, car or public transport.
All responses will be considered and will help shape the improvements and inform future decision‑making about the junction.
Cllr Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said: “Abbey Gates Junction is one of the busiest junctions in Torquay. With so many roads meeting here and no formal pedestrian crossings, it can feel unsafe—especially for families, people with mobility aids, or visitors unfamiliar with the area.
“We want to make crossing the junction safer, more accessible and more convenient for everyone. That’s why it’s so important that people who use the junction take part in the consultation and share their views.”
The consultation opened on 20 July and will close at 5pm on Monday 10 August. To take part in the survey visit: www.torbay.gov.uk/abbey-gates-junction
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