Devon County Council has rejected claims it is deliberately slowing the return of traffic to a blocked Exeter street.
The Exeter highways and traffic orders committee (HATOC) has agreed to look again at Dryden Road, which has been closed to vehicles since the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, when it was made a traffic-free route in and out of the city for cyclists and pedestrians.
Supporters say the closure made a big difference, improving safety and cutting pollution.
Opponents say it simply moved traffic and fumes to neighbouring streets and created a risky rat-run through nearby hospital grounds.
HATOC decided in July to reopen the road. A 20mph speed limit is planned, and design work is under way to create a scheme that allows vehicles to return while including traffic-calming measures to slow cars and protect pedestrians and cyclists.
The county council plans to present the final design scheme to HATOC councillors. Their next meeting is on October 12.
But campaigners for reopening the road say the process is taking too long.
Ian Frankum, who has spent years campaigning for the road to be opened to all users again, said the latest actions of county council officers showed ‘a worrying disregard’ for the people of Wonford, hospital staff, visitors and councillors.
“This is no longer simply a case of kicking the can down the road,” he said. “It is a deliberate delay that risks pushing any meaningful progress on reopening Dryden Road into 2027, despite a clear democratic mandate for action.”
In a recent public consultation, 73 per cent of people who responded supported reopening, and HATOC voted by eight votes to two to revoke the Traffic Regulation Order that closed the road.
“The message from both the public and elected councillors could not have been clearer,” said Mr Frankum.
Meanwhile, the Exeter Cycling Campaign has raised nearly £4,000 through a crowdfunding page to pay for specialist legal advice.
In a statement online, it said the county council was planning to consult on removing the traffic filter on Dryden Road without measures to protect people cycling, despite advice from Active Travel England, the government's expert body, which said the proposal would create a ‘critical safety issue’.
The statement goes on: “Over many months we have made our case through the democratic process. We have attended meetings, submitted evidence and worked with councillors to find a safer solution. Despite these efforts, the proposal to remove the filter continues to move forward.
“We have therefore sought advice from a national law firm with a strong track record in road safety cases.”
The county council says the budget for the physical changes in Dryden Road still needs to be confirmed by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority during its capital programme approval this autumn.
Local councillors and highways officers have discussed possible designs including measures to slow traffic and improve facilities for walking and cycling. The proposals being considered include advisory cycle lanes, crossings, and road humps.
“Officers are currently working through the detail to make sure the designs are safe, practical and offer value for money,” said a spokesperson at County Hall
Criticism Over Delays to Exeter Road Reopening Timetable