Exeter’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood Scheme Dismantled Amidst Mixed Reactions
In a decisive move reflecting public sentiment, the road restrictions enforcing Exeter’s low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) scheme have been dismantled, marking the end of a contentious chapter in the city’s urban planning. Bollards have been removed and plants have been taken out of bus gates, although some restrictions will remain in place for a few more weeks.
Recently, it was confirmed that traffic filters in specific areas, along with a bus gate, would be removed at the beginning of July. However, the remaining restrictions in other areas will not be lifted until after the conclusion of the school summer term.
The Heavitree and Whipton Active Streets Trial, as the scheme was officially known, was introduced in August 2023 and was intended to run for 18 months. The initiative aimed to reduce traffic, promote safer streets, and enhance the local environment. A consultation period, extending until May 2024, was built into the trial to gauge public response.
Consultation and Backlash
The consultation process culminated in a meeting in early June, where it was recommended that the trial be suspended “as soon as is practicable.” The report from the meeting indicated that the scheme had significantly negatively impacted disabled individuals, those with health issues, and pupils at a local special school. As a result, parts of the scheme were ordered to be suspended immediately.
The public response to the consultation was overwhelmingly negative, with nearly 9,000 responses by early May revealing that a vast majority opposed the scheme, while a smaller fraction supported it. This clear majority played a crucial role in the decision to dismantle the scheme.
Community Reactions and Protests
Since its inception, the trial has sparked intense debate within the local community. Proponents of the scheme argued that it successfully achieved its goals of creating safer, quieter streets, and they called for stricter enforcement against rule-breakers by local authorities. In contrast, opponents frequently protested, bearing “Stop the Block” placards and signing petitions to terminate the trial.
Photographs taken on 2nd July show the removal of the bollard on one of the affected roads, with plants being taken out of the planters at the filter and the bus gate. These visual cues have been symbolic for many residents, representing either the end of a problematic initiative or the dismantling of a beneficial scheme, depending on their perspective.
Official Response and Safety Concerns
Local authorities stated that before contractors could remove the equipment, an independent road safety audit was conducted, accompanied by a site meeting with councillors and highways officers, and further investigation of options. Officers also explored whether the planters could remain as traffic calming measures.
The safety audit highlighted several concerns, including the potential risk to cyclists passing on the kerbside of the planters before merging back with traffic, and give way markings obstructing side road access and driveways. Additionally, it was found that the planters provided minimal traffic calming benefits due to the narrowing effects of parked cars and their proximity to a roundabout.
Looking Forward
The dismantling of the LTN scheme in Exeter represents a significant moment in the city’s approach to urban planning and traffic management. While the immediate removal of bollards and planters marks the end of the trial, the broader conversation about sustainable transport solutions and community-friendly infrastructure is far from over.
In the coming weeks, as the remaining restrictions are lifted, residents and local officials will have an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned from this trial. Future initiatives will likely need to balance the need for safer, more liveable streets with the diverse needs of all community members, ensuring that any new measures have broad support and address the concerns raised during this trial.
As Exeter moves forward, the debate over the best ways to create a harmonious, efficient, and inclusive urban environment continues. The experience of the Heavitree and Whipton Active Streets Trial will undoubtedly inform future policies, with an eye towards more comprehensive and widely accepted solutions.
