Protests against traffic reduction trial in Exeter

Protesters gathered at three locations in Exeter against a traffic reduction scheme

Campaigners against a controversial traffic reduction scheme have carried out protests across Exeter.

Several roads have been closed off to cars since August as part of the Lower Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme.

Protestors said it had caused longer journey times, affected businesses and increased air pollution in some areas.

Devon County Council said the scheme in the Heavitree and Whipton areas made it safer for people to walk and cycle.

Gini Wells said the traffic reduction scheme was "causing chaos".

Campaigners held three protests on Wednesday morning, at Whipton Village, on Topsham Road and at the junction of East Wonford Hill and Rifford Road.

They held banners asking motorists to show their support for the campaign by honking their horns.

Protestor Gini Wells said: "I completely understand the need to reduce emissions. We all need to do our bit and that includes not using our cars as much.

"However, this is not the way to go about it.

"It's not a war of cyclists against motorists; most cyclists are also motorists.

"This has been imposed upon us. We've not been properly consulted and it's causing chaos."

The trial scheme is to run for up to 18 months before a final decision is made

The trial scheme was introduced in August and will run for up to 18 months before a final decision is made.

Devon County Council changed the rules in October to allow taxis access to the closed roads after opposition from the taxi industry.

That change meant the six-month public consultation period for the scheme was extended until May.

In a statement, Devon County Council said the consultation was ongoing for the project “which intends to reduce traffic volumes on residential streets in Heavitree and Whipton, making it safer for people to walk and cycle”.