BUS company boss Peter Knight met town councillors in Dawlish to discuss the impact of ongoing roadworks.

Mr Knight, managing director of Stagecoach south west, told councillors the company was ‘working closely’ with Devon County Council highways while work by South West Water continues across Dawlish.

Road closures and traffic lights put in place for work by SWW and Wales and West Utilities have caused long delays for all traffic but buses timetables have been badly affected.

A spokesman for Stagecoach said: ‘The meeting provided an opportunity to outline the positive opportunities arising from Stagecoach South West’s Electric Vehicle investment, as well as to discuss the impact of congestion and ongoing roadworks on the local area.

‘While Stagecoach South West cannot comment on the specific details of third-party works, they are working closely with the Local Transport Authority, Devon County Council, to minimise disruption and to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible service for the local community during this period.’

There have also been concerns and confusion over the introduction of new ticketing zones which came into force in January.

Stagecoach says while reviewing and updating its fare structure, a 'detailed assessment of customer travel patterns, service frequency, journey flows, and operational practicality across the network’ was carried out.

Stagecoach has confirmed that both Dawlish and Dawlish Warren fall within the new Torbay Zone, where reduced fares for day, seven-day, and 28-day tickets have been introduced.

However, these locations sit outside the new Greater Exeter Zone, as they are more than 10 miles from Exeter.

The spokesman explained: ‘The boundary reflects established network geography and the wider connectivity of each area within the transport system.

'The intention is to maintain fairness and simplicity across the network as a whole, while supporting sustainable service delivery.

'We understand that any change to fare structures can raise questions locally, and we remain in dialogue with elected representatives to ensure concerns are properly considered.

‘Our priority is to provide a clear, equitable, and financially sustainable fare system that works for the greatest number of customers.’

Bus campaigner and town and district councillor Alison Foden welcomed Mr Knight’s attendance at the meeting.

She had raised questions about the reduction in the number 2 service which service Dawlish and Teignmouth to Newton Abbot.

Mr Knight said this service is one of the longer routes in the network where a whole journey can take more than two hours.

Cllr Foden has appealed for the frequency to be increased to three buses an hour and more during peak rush hour times.

But Mr Knight pointed out that each bus on that service costs at least £50 to run.

Cllr Foden said: ‘I am concerned though for the possible effect on ticket prices for travel from one ticketing zone to the adjacent ticketing zone, ie Teignbridge, for people travelling to Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and beyond, southwards from Dawlish.’