A campaign advocating for substantial investment in the Tarka Line, a vital railway service connecting Exeter and Barnstaple in Devon, has seen its petition formally submitted to Parliament. The plea, backed by more than 5,000 signatures, highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to meet growing demand and improve the reliability and frequency of services along the route.
The Tarka Line, currently a single-track railway for much of its length, suffers from capacity constraints that limit the number of trains that can operate daily. Supporters of the petition argue that without significant investment, the line will be unable to support the region's economic growth and provide an adequate public transport option for residents and visitors. Proposed improvements include the installation of additional passing loops, which would allow trains to travel in opposite directions or overtake, thereby increasing capacity and reducing journey times.
Beyond passing loops, the petition also calls for broader enhancements such as improvements to existing stations, better accessibility, and a long-term vision that could include electrification of the line. Proponents believe these measures are essential to modernise the service, reduce its environmental impact, and make rail travel a more attractive option compared to road transport in the region.
Local Members of Parliament, including Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon, have expressed their support for the campaign, recognising the economic and social benefits that an improved Tarka Line would bring to their constituencies. Devon County Council has also been a vocal advocate for the upgrades, seeing it as a key component of their wider transport strategy to connect communities and reduce congestion on local roads.
The submission of the petition to Parliament marks a significant step in the campaign, bringing the issue to the attention of national policymakers. While the government has previously outlined commitments to improve regional rail links, specific funding for projects like the Tarka Line often depends on detailed business cases and competition with other national infrastructure priorities. The Department for Transport will now consider the petition and its implications for future rail investment strategies.
The campaign's organisers hope that this parliamentary engagement will lead to a concrete commitment from the government to fund the necessary upgrades, transforming the Tarka Line into a modern, efficient, and sustainable railway service for the benefit of all who use it.