Report recommends scrapping Exeter traffic scheme

A highly controversial traffic reduction scheme could be scrapped following a critical report.

Devon County Council set up the Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme in Exeter to stop people driving through some residential streets and encourage walking and cycling.

The project, which was launched in August 2023 for a trial period of 18 months, has been passionately debated in the city.

A report by council officers said the scheme should be "suspended as soon as is practicable".

Councillors are set to meet on 3 June to decide whether or not to end the scheme.

The LTN involved creating barriers at three locations that could only be passed by walkers and cyclists and putting planters in place at two locations where only buses and taxis were allowed to pass through.

A public consultation on the scheme ran from its launch on 3 August 2023 to 8 May.

More than 80% of responses were opposed to the various scheme elements, with 18% in support.

The report said the scheme has "had a disproportionate adverse effect on many disabled individuals" according to a group that represents disabled people in Devon.

It added the scheme had "increased stress and anxiety for both carers and cared-for people" due to increased travel times.

Ian Frankum, one of the campaigners against the LTN, said: "With such a damning report which is adversely affecting so many local people the trial should be stopped immediately.

"It is only when it is stopped that can we start to restore faith in local democracy and start healing our broken communities."

Dr Ben Greenwood, a local GP who supports the scheme, said: "I feel very frustrated that the council has apparently linked all disabled people together and presumed that they all have the same difficulties and needs, and that all can drive a car.

"At no point in the report do they acknowledge the sixfold increase in risk for pedestrians being killed or seriously injured as a consequence of removing the scheme, or explain why they feel that is not important."

Dr Greenwood also criticised the council's public consultation for being "too easy to manipulate".

He said there was "no data about where the submissions have come from" and commuters who wanted to use the streets as rat runs were given "the same voice as a concerned local parent".

The council's report said it was "possible individuals may have submitted multiple responses" but said that would "not significantly impact the overall balances of support and opposition".

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