Battle goes on over road closed to drivers

Dryden Road in Exeter is closed to drivers apart from buses

A highly controversial road closure will be discussed later with the possibility of a public consultation on whether the road should reopen.

Dryden Road in Exeter was closed to motorists in June 2020, at first temporarily and then permanently in 2022, to try to reduce traffic and create a safer cycling route.

Campaigners against the road closure said the move increased congestion and pollution for people living nearby but cyclist groups want the road to remain closed to cars.

Devon County Council officers recommended a two-month public consultation early in 2026 on whether the road should be reopened to drivers or if other changes should be made.

The campaigners handed in a petition with more than 1,100 signatures at the last Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) meeting in July

The Exeter Cycling Campaign claims the road closure has led to fewer cars and said the Dryden Road section was a key part of the E9 cycle route.

The discussion over the road closure follows the local authority U-turn previously on the low traffic neighbourhood scheme in Exeter.

Members of HATOC - which is made up of both Devon County Council members and Exeter City Council members - will discuss the issue.