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Devon councillors move to reopen Dryden Road; 70%+ backed two-way traffic
Devon County Council's Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee agreed to advertise a Traffic Regulation Order to revoke the motor vehicle ban on Dryden Road, closed to through traffic since 2022. Almost 3,000 people answered the consultation, and more than 70% wanted the road open to all traffic in both directions with cycle lanes. The council's own report calls the cycle street option a compromise between two-way traffic and an affordable, deliverable active travel route.
What this means
Active Travel England said local authorities would be assessed on delivery, which could affect future funding allocations. Exeter Cycling Campaign says it may pursue legal action against efforts to fully re-open the road, depending on the outcome of the public consultation. The proposals now go to public consultation.
The recommended option has two-way motor traffic, cycle lanes on both sides and a narrow central carriageway. The report says it differs from the options consulted on, and officers recommended it. No final construction scheme was approved at that stage, and the delivery budget must be confirmed by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority as part of its autumn capital programme approval. The project budget is now £493,281, down from the £500,000 initially provided. The committee report states that £107,000 of Active Travel England revenue funding has been committed so far on reconsidering the infrastructure on Dryden Road and the surrounding area. An Exeter Cycling Campaign spokesperson said: «It is jaw dropping to see that Devon County Council have spent over £100,000 of active travel funding to create a plan to make Exeter less safe for people to cycle.» The council's reply: «Active Travel England funding can be used to support the development of active travel schemes, including consultation and design work.»
Sources
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