The Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Monday 13 July 2026 to discuss traffic regulation orders and residents' parking schemes. The committee approved the advertisement of traffic regulation orders for Dryden Road, with a decision on the final scheme to be made by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority. Consideration of residents' parking schemes in the Woodwater Lane area and the prioritisation of future residents' parking schemes were deferred to a future meeting.

Update on Dryden Road Consultation

The committee approved the advertisement of traffic regulation orders to revoke the prohibition of motor vehicles and extend the 20mph zone on Dryden Road. This decision was made following extensive public consultation, which indicated a strong preference for Option 3, proposing two-way traffic with advisory cycle lanes and traffic calming measures. However, concerns were raised regarding the safety of cyclists and the cost of Option 3. Consequently, Option 5, a cycle street design, was developed in consultation with Active Travel England. This option aims to create a low-speed environment that prioritises cycling while retaining two-way vehicle access, at an estimated cost of £500,000-£650,000.

The committee also approved the endorsement of the preferred option for Dryden Road, which involves reintroducing two-way traffic with walking and cycling provision, and a pedestrian crossing proposal on Church Lane. Approval for the construction of the scheme, estimated to cost over £500,000, will be subject to a decision by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority. Delegated authority was given to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport to make minor amendments to the scheme details.

The committee also considered proposals for pedestrian crossings on Church Lane, which were endorsed. Further development of proposals for Dryden Road was agreed, focusing on ensuring active travel remains safe and attractive while addressing congestion on Bovemoors Lane. This includes considering traffic calming on Dryden Road, additional passing places on Bovemoors Lane and Church Lane, and improving alternative routes.

The decision to proceed with the Dryden Road proposals was made after a lengthy debate and several amendments. Ultimately, a resolution was passed to approve the advertisement of the traffic regulation order to revoke the prohibition of motor vehicles and extend the 20mph zone on Dryden Road, subject to no objections being received. The committee also endorsed the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Church Lane and requested officers to continue developing proposals for Dryden Road, considering traffic calming, passing places on Bovemoors Lane and Church Lane, and improving alternative routes. The decision on construction approval for schemes exceeding £500,000 will be made by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority.

Exeter Residents Parking - Woodwater Lane Area

The committee considered the responses to the consultation on residents' parking restrictions in the Woodwater Lane area. Despite previous indications of support, the consultation revealed that the majority of residents were not in favour of the proposed restrictions. Consequently, the committee resolved not to progress the proposals for the Woodwater Lane area and agreed that the matter would not be reconsidered for at least five years.

Exeter Residents Parking - Prioritisation of Future Schemes

The committee reviewed the progress of existing residents' parking schemes and considered the prioritisation of future schemes. It was noted that schemes in the St Thomas and Woodwater Lane areas, which had previously shown support, had not been progressed due to resident opposition. The committee agreed to maintain the existing priority list for future schemes, including the Sweetbrier Lane Area, Cotfield Street Area, New Valley Road Area, Southbrook Road Area, and Heraldry Way Area. Requests for Stoke Valley Road and Wykes Road were also noted for future consideration. A request to amend the times of operation for the existing Polsloe Area (Zone S2) was also discussed, with a decision to review this at a later date due to the significant resources required for consultation and signage updates. The committee agreed to a revised process for introducing residents' parking schemes, involving an initial informal consultation to gauge support before proceeding to detailed design and statutory consultation.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

The committee noted a report detailing actions taken under delegated powers since the last meeting. This included the advertisement of traffic regulation orders for Dawlish Road (introduction of a 30mph speed limit) and various streets (updates to resolve discrepancies in traffic orders). These changes were implemented after consultation with local County Councillors and the Chair of HATOC, with no objections received.

The following councillors were present: Councillor Michael Mitchell (Chair), Councillor Andy Ketchin (Vice-Chair), Councillor Jack Eade, Councillor Edward Hill, Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Councillor Angela Game, Councillor Neil Stevens QVRM, Councillor Tony Stevens, Councillor P Bialyk, Councillor Lucy Haigh, and Councillor Liz Pole. Councillor Thomas Richardson sent apologies.