One of the aims in Devon County Council’s Exeter Transport Strategy is for 50% of all Exeter journeys to work and education to be made by foot or bicycle by 2030. Similar aims are shared in Exeter City Council’s Carbon Neutral 2030 plan and Local Delivery Pilot programme which aims to make Exeter the most active city in England. 

To help achieve these objectives, we are engaging with the Whipton and Heavitree community to make the neighbourhood greener, healthier and more attractive.

Phase 1 Consultation: November-December 2020

We launched Phase 1 of our consultation in November and December 2020, inviting people’s views on their experience of their neighbourhood, both positive and negative. 577 people participated in the consultation, and the findings are summarised in the attached summary document. 

Key issues raised during the consultation included high traffic volumes and/or speeds on a number of key roads, namely Ladysmith Road, Hamlin Lane, Sweetbrier Lane and Thornpark Rise. Many participants wanted to see greater priority being given to walking and cycling, and improvements to electric vehicle charging facilities. Some respondents also suggested measures to improve safety on the roundabout at Sweetbrier Lane and Whipton Lane.

Phase 2 Consultation: September-October 2021

As a result of the Phase 1 Consultation, we have prepared a number of interventions. These include a series of traffic filters, which prevent through traffic but allowing bus services, walking and cycling. For each of the interventions, an explanatory text and video provides details and highlights potential impacts. Further information can be found under the ‘Options’ tab.

Based on similar schemes implemented elsewhere in the UK, we expect the traffic filter packages would remove traffic from the Heavitree and Whipton residential area, by deterring through traffic from entering the area. Some of this traffic may be displaced onto the boundary roads (Pinhoe Road, Hill Barton Road, Heavitree Road and Polsloe Road), however some of the traffic would likely disappear entirely, due to people choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving. Research also suggests such schemes can increase rates of walking and cycling among residents, and reduce rates of road traffic injuries.

To help us improve electric vehicle charging facilities in the area, we are also inviting suggestions for where such facilities are most needed. Water and play facilities within Heavitree Pleasure Ground are being consulted on separately by Exeter City Council via the following link.

We look forward to hearing your views, to help us decide how to make Heavitree and Whipton greener, healthier and more attractive.

What’s next?

Phase 2 of the consultation finishes on Thursday 7th October. 

If proposals are supported in the Phase 2 Consultation, they could be trialled during Autumn/Winter 2021. Changes to electric vehicle charging facilities would likely be made in phases over the coming years, subject to funding.