One week left to take part in Heavitree and Whipton streets consultation

There is just one week to go to have your say in an online consultation to make positive improvements to streets in Heavitree and Whipton in Exeter.

More than 400 people have responded so far to the “Exeter Streets” consultation, which was launched jointly by Devon County Council and Exeter City Council last month and runs until Friday 18 December.

People in Heavitree and Whipton are being asked what changes they would like to see made in their community to make walking and cycling safer and easier.

The consultation is part of the County Council’s commitment to seek public views on the temporary “pop-up” measures introduced in Heavitree and Whipton earlier this year to support walking and cycling during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is being carried out in two phases using a digital public engagement tool. The initial online “poll” is asking questions on walking, cycling, traffic, public transport and places to be active – with the website enabling you to choose which issues you would like to comment on. Opinions are also being sought on the temporary pop-up measure in Chard Road.

The feedback from this will inform a second phase looking at issues raised and consulting on the detail of potential solutions. This second phase of the consultation will be held in the spring.

So far, the point closure on Chard Road, and issues of traffic and cycling have attracted the most comments during the consultation.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We’ve had a good response so far, and with just a week to go we’d like to remind everyone who hasn’t yet taken part that this is their opportunity to have their say on informing how we can improve their local community. This online consultation is part of the wider consultation on the introduction of the temporary active travel measures and we want as many people as possible to get involved.”

Councillor Yvonne Atkinson, Chair of the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC), said: “We are committed to ensuring that there is safe cycling and pedestrian routes in local neighbourhoods and are working with local communities to get consensus on how best to achieve this. So please give us your view by responding to the consultation.”

Councillor Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to have their say on measures to make cycling and walking in the city safer and better. Leaving the car behind and either stepping out or getting on the bike is the perfect way to stay fit and healthy and helps contribute to Exeter becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”

For more information on the Exeter Streets programme email: transportplanning@devon.gov.uk

You can take part in the online consultation on the Exeter Streets consultation webpages. Alternatively, you can request a paper feedback form or more information by emailing transportplanning@devon.gov.ukby post to Transport Planning, Matford Offices, County Hall, Topsham Rd, Exeter, EX2 4QD or by phone on 0345 155 1004.