Road closed to cars for six years will be reopened

A key city road that has been controversially closed to drivers for six years is now set to be reopened to all vehicles.

Dryden Road that runs alongside the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital site was closed in 2020 to create better conditions for cyclists.

People who have fought to reopen the road said residents had suffered huge inconvenience with no benefit for years and claimed the decision as a victory for democracy.

Cycling campaigners said the road closure had reduced the number of accidents, improved air quality and improved general traffic circulation.

Almost 3,000 people had their say in a public consultation on the future of Dryden Road and 73% wanted to see the road reopened to all traffic in both directions with cycle lanes in place.

Devon County Council officers recommended another option for a "cycle street" that was not part of the consultation but that was rejected by members of the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (Hatoc) - made up of members of Devon County Council and Exeter City Council.

Neil Stevens, county council Reform member for Alphington and Cowick, put forward a motion to revoke the ban on motor vehicles and ask officers to work on plans for traffic calming and "safe walking and cycling provision" which was approved.

He said the committee had "wasted time, money and resources" and needed the "quickest and simplest" solution.

Phil Bialyk, Labour leader of Exeter City Council, wanted to see the road reopened but wanted more done to create a safe environment for cyclists.

He said the plans that were approved showed "a total neglect of pedestrians and cyclists", adding "we've got to learn to live together in this city".

Andy Ketchin, a Green councillor for both Exeter and Devon, said the decision just "kicked the can down the road" and was "an attempt to brush all the good work aside".

Speaking after the meeting on Monday, Ian Frankum - who has campaigned for years to have the road reopened - said he was pleased the council had "listened to the will of the people".

He said: "Doing a proper consultation, engaging people properly - that wasn't done first time around.

"Now, 3,000 people have spoken and 73% of them have actually screamed loud and clear, so that to my mind, is good for democracy and restores some faith in what our councils do."

James Diamond, from the Exeter Cycling Campaign, said: "We always know that making Exeter a great place for people to get on a bike is a long journey.

"You move forward in some places, you stall in others - it won't affect the Exeter Cyccling Campaign's ambition that Exeter is a great place to get around the city cheaply, safely and easily."

Traffic regulation orders about the proposed change will now be advertised in the area.

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