Since the series of Winter Storms across Start Bay, the Slapton Line Partnership has received a huge number of questions about the damage caused, the next steps and, plans for recovery.

We’ve listed these below, but know there are also many more. If you have a question you can’t see below email it to [email protected] and we’ll do our best to find you an answer.

There are also FAQs answered by Caroline Voaden MP available on her website here

For FAQs on the Torcross Urgent Works please see the dedicated webpage here

QUESTION: What is the latest update about the road?

Answered By: Devon County Council
Updated June 2026

We know how important the Slapton line is to local people and businesses. Rebuilding the road is a complex and costly challenge, and we will need government support to make it happen.  We, and our partners, have been assessing the damage and considering short term and longer-term options, and we are preparing a bid for funding from government to reinstate the road.

QUESTION: When do you expect to hear from the Government?

Answered By: Devon County Council
Updated June 2026

The government has not indicated when it might make any decision.

QUESTION: Can the Council commit to reinstating the road?

Answered By: Devon County Council

Updated June 2026

It’s certainly our aim, and we are fully committed to doing everything in our power to make it happen. However, we need government funding to pay for the work.

QUESTION: What has the Council been doing to persuade Government to provide the necessary funding?

Answered By: Devon County Council

Updated June 2026

We’ve been lobbying government for financial support. The council’s Leader, Councillor Julian Brazil, has spoken directly to Ministers at Westminster to make the case for funding. We’re also working with our Devon MPs, including our local MP, Caroline Voaden, to put forward a strong case to reinstate the road.

QUESTION: What else has the Council been doing?

Answered By: Devon County Council

Updated June 2026

We have put extra funding from our budget into highways this year, including money for emergency work to help protect parts of the coastline in Slapton. We’re now in the summer months, when hopefully there’s less risk of stormy weather, but following those initial storms and loss of the road, we have been shoring up and protecting the foundation of the road as best we can to reduce further deterioration of the road.

We have also improved signage on the diversion route to make it easier for road users.

And to keep communities connected, we have kept public transport running with diverted bus routes, a new shuttle service, and free taxis where needed.

The Timetable for the 93T Slapton Link Summer Service can be found here

QUESTION: What longer-term improvements are planned for inland diversion routes?

Answered By: Devon County Council

Updated June 2026

We are working on a significant scheme to improve and increase passing opportunities on inland routes.

These will not be identified or signed as ‘alternative routes’ for traffic that would otherwise have used the Slapton Line, but we do recognise that these routes will be subject to higher traffic volumes as a result of the current absence of the Slapton Line.

We are liaising closely with the Slapton Line Partnership and local representatives to select and prioritise sites and delivery of this work is anticipated to begin in the current financial year.

We also recognise the need to be sensitive in terms of the timings of these works and will be keeping local communities informed ahead of work starting.

QUESTION: What support is the Council giving to local businesses?

Answered By: Devon County Council

Updated June 2026

We recognise that the closure of the A379 has had a significant impact on local businesses, particularly those reliant on visitor footfall, passing trade, deliveries and staff access. We also understand the uncertainty this has created for many businesses across the area.

We are continuing to work with South Hams District Council, local partners and business representatives to understand the ongoing impacts and identify where practical support can be provided. This includes maintaining access to communities via diversion routes, supporting continued public transport connections, and ensuring that businesses remain accessible to residents and visitors.

We are also working with partners to ensure clear public messaging that local communities and businesses remain open and can still be reached, despite the closure of the road.

While there is currently no dedicated government compensation scheme in place for businesses affected by the closure, we continue to raise the wider economic impacts of the disruption as part of ongoing discussions with government regarding the future of the route and the support required for local communities.

Businesses seeking advice or support are encouraged to contact South Hams District Council or the Devon Growth Hub, who may be able to provide information on business support, grants, advice and resilience planning.

QUESTION: How is the nature and wildlife of Slapton Ley being protected?

Answered By: Devon County Council

Updated June 2026

Slapton Ley is being protected by letting nature do its thing, not by trying to control it. Natural England and other organisations look after the area and study it closely. They use research and evidence to decide what’s best.

The coast at Slapton is always changing because of wind, waves and changing sea levels – and this is why the Site of Special Scientific Interest has been designated. These changes create the habitats that plants and animals need.

Instead of trying to stop these changes, Natural England is allowing the landscape to slowly adapt over time. This helps wildlife adjust and survive.

Right now, experts are monitoring the current problems, like pollution in the water and the risk of the sea breaking through the beach, and planning what might happen next.

Different groups work together through the Slapton Line Partnership to make decisions that protect wildlife while also thinking about local people and roads.

QUESTION: How will residents and businesses continue to receive updates?

Answered By: Devon County Council

Updated June 2026

We will continue to work as a member of the Slapton Line Partnership to keep these FAQs updated as we know more and will endeavour to use direct channels of communication with local communities to keep them informed of progress.