Exeter's low traffic trial 'having a positive impact' say supporters - but continues to divide opinion
The trial aims to reduce traffic and pollution levels, while encouraging more 'active travel'
The new Conservative Party candidate for Exeter says she'll campaign to remove all low traffic neighbourhoods from the city - until the community is 'properly consulted'.
Tessa Tucker is pledging to ‘Get Exeter Moving’ again after dozens of protesters voiced their view at a Devon County Council meeting last week over concerns about the 'low traffic neighbourhood' 18-month trial.
A series of community engagement events are taking place this week - with one last night at Whipton Community Hall in Pinhoe Road and another planned on Thursday September 14, at St Mark’s Church Hall in Pinhoe Road, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Tessa Tucker outlines her view of the LTNs
Exeter-based Active Travel campaigner Dan Gray explains why he supports the trial
Groups including the Exeter Cycling Campaign have backed the changes, which in London showed a 45 per cent reduction in traffic and a doubling of active travel
Last week banners were unfurled and passing drivers hooted horns as people objecting to road closures in Heavitree and Whipton made their presence felt.
Inside the council chamber, a succession of speakers outlined their objections to a scheme they say is damaging businesses and delaying emergency services, as well as causing disruption to journeys.
Devon County Council says the LTN creates a safer and more attractive environment for walkers and cyclists by keeping through-traffic out of residential streets.
Four ‘modal filters’ – planters or bollards – have been installed to prevent access by all vehicles, as well as four ‘bus gates’ that can only be used by buses, emergency vehicles and certain other exempt classes of vehicle.
Changes have been introduced in Ladysmith Road, St Marks Avenue, Hamlin Lane, Whipton Lane and Vaughan Road, among others.
But protesters say the scheme does more harm than good, and they fear the Exeter trial scheme will be the first of many.
Matthew Rowbury, who chairs the Heavitree Traders Association, said: “Traders are fully committed to low emissions, but this LTN is a step too far.”
He said the council’s consultation process was flawed and based on out-of-date information, and there had been a lack of engagement.
In August - as the scheme went live - some bollards were cut down by people angry at the 18-month trial.