The impact of a traffic scheme on Exeter's elections

Elections will take place in 13 wards across Exeter in the local elections on 2 May

Political leaders are considering the impact of the introduction of a controversial traffic reduction scheme in Exeter on the May local elections.

The Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme was introduced in the Heavitree and Whipton areas in 2023.

Some parties want to get rid of the scheme, which means some through roads are closed off to drivers.

Others say the scheme needs to be given more time so its impact can be fully assessed.

There are 39 seats on Exeter City Council and Labour currently has a majority.

Anne Jobson is the leader of the Conservatives on Exeter City Council

Anne Jobson, the leader of the Conservatives on Exeter City Council, called for the LTN to be scrapped.

She said: "I've never seen people quite so angry about a subject.

"It particularly has affected disabled and vulnerable groups of people who have been overlooked in the consultations."

Ms Jobson said her party wanted to cap parking charges, put more money into tidying up green spaces and improve kerbside recycling.

She said: "We're very much resident-focused on the issues that people tell us day-in and day-out are making them quite unhappy."

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

The traffic reduction scheme was launched in August 2023.

The LTN was introduced by the Highways and Traffic Orders Committee, which is run by Devon County Council but made up of representatives from the county council and the city council.

Leader of the council Phil Bialyk

The current Labour leader of the council, Phil Bialyk, said it was important to gather more data on the impact of the LTN before making a decision on what to do next.

He said: "I firmly believe that, if changes need to be made to the scheme, based on the evidence, they will be made.

"It would be sad if people judge us on this one thing alone when we've got so much more to offer here in Exeter.

"We're one of the most successful cities in the country, we've got a lot of help for people in the cost of living crisis, we're building homes for our people here in Exeter."

Mr Bialyk also pointed to the creation of the St Sidwell leisure centre as a success for Exeter City Council.

Michael Mitchell is a Liberal Democrat councillor and co-leader of the Progressive Group

Michael Mitchell, Liberal Democrat and co-leader of the Progressive Group at the council, said the people behind the LTN scheme "need to go back to square one".

He said: "People felt these changes were imposed, they were not properly listened to, they didn't have a chance to put their point of view.

"And, within all of this, you've got motorists, you've got cyclists, public services - a whole range of factors that need to be considered and what the community have to do working with the planners is to get the balance right that works for them.

"LTN should be tailor-made for each community - it shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all."

Mr Mitchell said people in the city had been waiting too long for a clear plan to rejuvenate the city.

He said: "The people of Exeter expect delivery from their council and delivery that works."

Diana Moore is a Green Party councillor and co-leader of the Progressive Group on Exeter City council

The other co-leader of the Progressive Group, Diana Moore of the Green Party, said she supported the continuation of the trial.

She said: "You hear from those at both ends and, actually, there's a lot of people in the middle who have a range of views and their voices often don't get heard because people are frightened to speak out."

Ms Moore said a housing shortage was one of the most important issues for Exeter.

She said: "We need to have the right homes built in the right places at a price that people can afford.

"Many people are being forced to move out of the city and that's really not acceptable.

"We're not seeing enough council and social housing provision, and we're not seeing enough empty homes being brought back into use."

Lucy Haigh is one of a group of people standing as independent candidates

A new group of independent candidates has come together to stand in the elections.

One of the group, Lucy Haigh, said the scheme had damaged the local community.

She said: "We have families that can't reach loved ones, we have carers that are impacted.

"We have businesses that no longer have regular customers because they are divided.

"Going forward, we can see the unintended consequences of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood have been brutal."

Information about all of the candidates for all wards in the 2 May elections is available on the BBC website.