Significant alterations to Exeter's traffic system are being proposed as the city seeks to promote more walking, cycling and wheeling.
A comprehensive new plan for the Newtown area is set to be discussed next week (July 15) by the city's highways and traffic orders committee, comprised of county and city councillors.
This same committee previously introduced the unpopular Low Traffic Neighbourhood project around Heavitree, which was abandoned last year following strong public opposition. However, the Newtown proposals have been largely well-received during an extensive consultation process.
Committee members will be advised to approve nearly half a million pounds in spending on a range of measures, including prohibiting traffic from part of Russell Street; introducing contraflow cycling along Clifton Hill and eliminating parking in parts of Belmont Road, Clifton Hill, Clifton Street, Heavitree Road, Clifton Road and Russell Street. Pay and display meters would also be installed in sections of Russell Street.
The funding will be provided to the councils as a grant through Sport England. A report to the committee states that the proposed Newtown Community Transformation Project is a joint effort between Exeter City Council's Live and Move project and Devon County Council.
The project aims to enhance the usability of green spaces and facilitate easier and safer navigation. It acknowledges that there are already high levels of walking and cycling in the area, but asserts that the scheme will encourage even more.
"Newtown has been selected as an ideal site for a transformative scheme with the community's needs at its core," states the report.
The report notes that the travel patterns in the area have changed with the opening of St Sidwell's Point leisure centre and the closure of the Pyramids and Clifton Hill leisure centres, leading to the current layout of Clifton Hill and Clifton Road discouraging active travel.
Public engagement on the proposals commenced in 2021, with local residents raising concerns about congestion caused by parked cars. Following a 10-week consultation period earlier this year, the feedback from Newtown residents was largely positive.
In her conclusion, Meg Booth, the county's director of climate change, environment and transport, writes: "The scheme will make Newtown more accessible for people walking, wheeling and cycling and a more attractive, safer and healthier place for residents and people travelling through Newtown.
"The scheme aims to make everyone feel safer and more welcome and able to enjoy cleaner air and attractive, convenient routes linking to key destinations."
She also asserts that the benefits and opportunities offered by the scheme significantly outweigh the negative impacts of removing parking spaces and restricting vehicles in Russell Street.
Work could potentially start by April next year.
