Exeter: Van filmed being driven through traffic protest

A driver went through the "human bollard" set up to support a traffic reduction scheme in Exeter.

A van driver has been filmed driving through a group of protesters in a row over a traffic reduction scheme.

Police are investigating and said the van was reported to have hit one of the Safe Streets Now (SSN) protesters in Exeter, Devon, causing a minor injury.

The controversy over the closing of some roads to cars in the city has become increasingly heated.

The protesters were manning a "human bollard" near a primary school to try to ensure drivers followed the rules.

Police said they were called at about 08:20 GMT on Thursday to Ladysmith Road.

A police spokesman said: "A man was reportedly struck by the van and suffered what was considered to be a minor injury to his arm. The van left the scene."

No arrests have been made, the police spokesman said.

Caspar Hughes, speaking for SSN, said: "A volunteer was injured when this person drove his vehicle at speed through the bus gate.

"This driver could not see beyond the banners - there could have been a small child there for all he knew."

Mr Hughes described the driver's actions as "reckless and dangerous".

A number of roads have been restricted as part of the scheme in Exeter

Earlier in February, the headteacher of a nearby school wrote to parents after a child was knocked off a bike by a car.

Devon County Council introduced the Lower Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme in August.

The council said it would make it safer for people to walk and cycle in residential areas of Heavitree and Whipton.

But opponents of the scheme say it has only pushed traffic onto main roads, damaging local businesses and causing congestion and pollution.

The Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee, which is made up of Devon County and Exeter City councillors, considered a recommendation to suspend the scheme in January but agreed to give more time for analysis of its impact.

Police asked any other witnesses of the incident or anyone with any information to get in touch.