Low traffic neighbourhood scheme in Exeter may be scrapped

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

A controversial traffic reduction scheme could be scrapped. according to a council report which was later withdrawn.

The low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) scheme in Exeter closes off some through roads to car drivers.

A report from Devon County Council recommended the suspension of the scheme at a meeting on Monday.

But the report was swiftly removed from the website and the meeting postponed until June.

Devon County Council said the report was "incomplete" and it needed more time to gather all of the information from a public consultation into the scheme.

Buses are allowed to go along roads where cars are not allowed

The report compiled for the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) recommended suspending the trial scheme "as soon as is practicable", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A council spokesman said: "An initial report had been produced examining the consultation responses received so far - most of which were online responses, but making it clear that it was an incomplete report."

The consultation closed on 8 May and the spokesman said officers needed "extra time to analyse the results" to make sure the members of HATOC had enough "information to make an informed decision".

Dr Ben Greenwood says the LTN reduces the risk of harm to children

The scheme was introduced in August 2023 and has been welcomed by some who say more people are walking and cycling in the Heavitree and Whipton area.

Dr Ben Greenwood, a local resident who is in favour of the scheme, said: "Fundamentally it's about the safety of kids - both my own and those accessing school.

"I think they're at most risk of being killed or seriously injured by through traffic and their voices have not been heard in this debate."

Critics of the scheme said it had only pushed traffic onto main roads, worsening air pollution and making life difficult for people such as carers who need to travel to different addresses in the area.

Exeter resident Chris Billingsley says the LTN made it difficult for some people to go about their daily business

Resident Chris Billingsley said: "It's caused division within the community and it's made it very difficult for a lot of people to go about their daily business.

"It's made it very dangerous here - cars turn round with people and cyclists going behind them and in front of them."

The HATOC meeting is now scheduled to take place on 3 June.