New cycle lane among Exeter traffic change plans

Local authorities want to increase the number of cyclists using the path through Newtown

A new cycle lane is among proposed changes with the aim of reducing traffic in Exeter to be discussed on Tuesday.

The Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (Hatoc) has put together plans to close off one road to motor vehicles and change waiting and parking restrictions in the Newtown area of the city.

A contraflow cycle lane would be installed on Clifton Hill with a budget of just over £450,000 for all of the proposed changes.

The project is the first major scheme put forward by the committee following widespread public anger and a subsequent policy U-turn over the low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) in the Heavitree area of Exeter.

Foot and cycle

The decision will be made by Hatoc - made up of councillors from Exeter City Council and Devon County Council - which is due to meet at County Hall at 14:00 BST.

The political make-up of the committee has changed since the May elections at Devon County Council and now includes four Reform UK councillors, as well as four Green Party members, three Labour, one Liberal Democrat and one Conservative.

The plans recommend closing off part of Russell Street to cars and changing parking and waiting restrictions on Belmont Road, Clifton Hill, Clifton Street and Heavitree Road.

According to a report prepared ahead of the meeting, Devon County Council wants "50% of all local trips to be undertaken by foot and by cycle in Exeter by 2030".