Vandals destroy traffic-restricting bollards

Stronger ones on the way

Devon County Council has promised to respond with ‘more robust’ bollards after vandals destroyed key parts of a controversial new traffic scheme in Exeter.

Police are investigating the removal of traffic bollards placed in Heavitree and Whipton as part of a contentious project to cut traffic in residential streets.

Damaging the bollards  is a criminal offence, they say. Replacing them costs more than £200 a time.

Reports have appeared on social media of ‘balaclava-clad’ teenagers on bikes striking in the dead of night to remove bollards.

Supporters say the so-called Low Traffic Neighbourhoods cut air and noise pollution, as well as reducing the risk of accidents. But the Exeter experiment, which began this month, has prompted angry protests and a social media campaign to reverse the initiative.

Opponents say blocked roads mean longer journeys, congestion and delays in emergency vehicles getting to incidents.

A county council spokesman said: “If there are further incidents of vandalism, we may have to install more robust, vandal-proof measures but we would ask the local community to please work with us and provide feedback via the statutory consultation.”

Police say they are aware of incidents in Heavitree, Whipton and Polsloe, as well as some social media accounts encouraging action.

They said one incident of criminal damage was reported to them on Tuesday night where two bollards were cut down and removed in Hamlin Lane.

Officers said the suspects were about 16-to-18 years old, wearing black clothing and caps and balaclavas.

The scheme has divided opinion sharply in Exeter. The city’s Green Party posted on social media: “We urge Devon County Council to hold its nerve and see the Heavitree and Whipton active streets trial through. Many people welcome changes which make their streets safer and less polluted.”

And Cllr Carol Bennett (Green, Heavitree) said that once establish, low traffic neighbourhoods become very popular.

Opponents, however, are planning to protest at County Hall.