Council apology over road closure consultation

A council has apologised after a public consultation into the possible reopening of a road closed to motorists was "paused".

Dryden Road in Exeter was controversially closed to motorists temporarily in June 2020 and then permanently in 2022, to try to reduce traffic and create a safer cycling route.

Following a campaign to reopen the road Devon County Council launched a public consultation on Monday asking people if they wanted to keep barriers in place, to open the road in one direction or to open it completely with cycle lanes in place.

Devon County Council said it needed to "clarify aspects of the options" before the consultation could continue.

Campaigners who have fought to have the road reopened to cars claim the closure has only shifted congestion onto other roads nearby and has prompted more people to drive through the Royal Devon and Exeter grounds as a shortcut.

Campaigner Ian Frankum said pausing the consultation was "an additional hurdle" that would "make those seeking a fair solution that meets everyone's aspirations more determined to get the right decision for locals , hospital workers and users".

The road is part of the E9 cycle route between Wonford and the city centre.

Exeter Cycling Campaign said it was keen to find out more information as to what will happen next.

The debate over the road closure follows the local authority U-turn previously on the low traffic neighbourhood scheme in Exeter.

Devon County Council apologised for "any inconvenience caused" and said people who had already responded to the consultation would have the opportunity to submit a new response when the process resumes.

The council said discussions with local councillors and the chairman of the Highways and Traffic Orders Committee, which voted for the consultation, were planned "at the earliest opportunity".

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