Local News from Friday, September 11th, 2026

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is running its Top 3 campaign for a second year, highlighting the leading causes of fatal crashes among 17-24-year-olds and encouraging new young drivers, their passengers and their parents or carers to take practical steps to reduce these risks.

People are being encouraged to make that extra effort to recycle more during national Recycle Week and beyond.

Devon & Cornwall Police neighbourhood policing teams, working alongside university welfare teams and street marshals, will be carrying out patrols in popular nightlife spots during fresher’s welcome weeks to make sure thousands of new and returning students feel safe while out and about in the evenings.

Police are appealing for witness and information following a serious road traffic collision that occurred on 31 August at around 1pm on the A30 near Yarcombe.

A spill of partially treated sewage in Exmouth has renewed the focus on the resilience of the town’s sewer system.

The organisers of the Devon Truck Show are revving up their plans for 2027 early after securing permission for live music and alcohol sales.

Critics have expressed anger about a body that decides whether speed limits on Devon roads should be reduced because of their claim the process is “secret”.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, has confirmed that Chief Constable James Vaughan has agreed to remain in role ensuring stable leadership of Devon & Cornwall Police until August 2028.

Young adults, particularly university students, remain at increased risk from meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, with new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing that Meningitis B (MenB) was responsible for 97% of invasive meningococcal disease cases in 15 to 24-year-olds (93 of 96 cases) in England during 2025 to 2026.

Ten drivers suspected of drink driving have been arrested following a weekend of enforcement activity.

Devon County Council will defer a decision to issue judicial review proceedings in order to seek further clarification from government.