Last Exeter traffic barriers being removed

Focus groups will discuss next steps

The last of the traffic barriers from Exeter’s controversial Active Streets trial will be removed within days.

The‘filters’ in Heavitree and Whipton are being dismantled in Ladysmith Road, Park Road and St Marks Avenue on Wednesday and Thursday.

Devon County Council’sannouncement came as its highways and traffic orders committee (HATOC) heard calls for unity as the city tries to solve its traffic problems.

In June the committee suspended the trial early in the face of fierce opposition from the local community. It had been due to run until early 2025.

Supporters said it was making residential streets cleaner, quieter and safer, but opponents said it had simply moved the traffic to other places, making pollution problems worse there.

HATOC members agreed that a solution had to be found for traffic in the fast-growing city, and vehicle had to be controlled near schools.

But they said consultation had to be better in future. Focus groups will now be set up to discuss the next steps.

City councillor Catherine Rees (Green, Heavitree) said: “We need a robust and genuine engagement process run by experts from outside the council.

“That is important in order to rebuild trust in our democratic process. Let’s look forward, not backwards.”

Several councillors called for unity. Cllr Lucy Haigh (Ind, Heavitree) was elected in May having fought her campaign around the traffic experiment.

“Peace and reconciliation is what our community needs,” she said. “The social media name-calling needs to end.”

Committee chair Cllr Carol Whitton (Lab, St David’s and Haven Banks) said: “We should move away from party politics, and together try to find appropriate solutions.

“We have all adopted extreme positions, but we all recognise that those extreme views are not going to be the solution. We need there to be a consensus.”

Temporary traffic filters have already been removed from Hamlin Lane, Vaughan Road and Whipton Lane.

Now the county council is planning to hold discussions with schools in the trial area, along with blue badge holders, disabled people, older people and carers for more detailed feedback on the impact of the scheme.