Speech to the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee
By Cllr Anne Jobson OBE on 30th September 2023
This is an update on responses to our survey questionnaire delivered to about 6,000 business and households in areas in or bordering the scheme – with an on-line option. There was a 22.6% response rate.
64.8% did not believe there had been consultations in 2020 and 2021.
When asked if the scheme introduced on 3rd August is working – 85.56% said it was not with 10.17% saying it was and a further 4.27% saying they did not yet know.
Why were there were no face to face meetings with residents before you made a decision that affects the lives of thousands of Exeter’s residents.
By providing white space on our survey many took the opportunity to explain their views. Those responses will form part of our final report.
Analysing the responses to the survey further - the rejection of this scheme is not because residents and businesses do not see the need for traffic calming, but because it is damaging people’s well-being; it is worsening emissions and pollution; it is damaging local trades and businesses.
If people are to be encouraged to use public transport, then infrastructure needs to be in place. Only 8.9% believe there is sufficient infrastructure whilst 81.38% say there is not. Many point out that Polsloe Bridge Rail station is not available for anyone with mobility issues and that the bus services are unreliable.
Not everyone is able to walk and cycle, however 40.61% say it has made no difference to pedestrians during the day, but 36% say they feel less safe when walking in the dark. Only 19.36% believe it is now safer for cyclists. 55% and 59% believe that it is less safe for those needing home care or the assistance of the emergency services.
One aim was to reduce emissions by reducing car use. The survey shows residents do not believe this is happening - 57.5% saying it is not reducing vehicle use and 82.18% saying it is increasing mileage. A typical response from a resident within the scheme area “my mileage has more than tripled. Journeys to the shops in Whipton and Pinhoe, my vet and chemist in Pinhoe, the recycling centre send me half way round the city.“ And another “We have to go so far round to get to Morrisons and don’t say ride a bike I am not able.” And “yesterday I needed to pick my elderly parents up for an appointment – pre the closures the journey would take me 8 minutes, the new time of 40 minutes wasn’t an option. I rang them and suggested they walk down to the barrier and I would wait for them. It was very sad watching them gingerly walk and struggle down to me.”
This scheme is impacting local businesses and trades - 69.07% seeing an adverse effect on local businesses. A carer working for one of the care agencies states she is constantly worried about being late – in some cases that poses the risk of becoming life threatening as medication has to be administered at certain times of the day and traffic and increased mileage mean that is increasingly hard to achieve.
The taxi and private hire trade now have a concession, but there are many others who face similar problems who remain disadvantaged.
There are some positive comments that the roads within the scheme are quieter. Just 2 roads are in favour - Commins Road 6 responses from 31 households with 5 in favour; Third Avenue - 4 in favour / 2 against and with Hamlin Lane (17 responses from 51 households) polling at 50/50 with 1 don’t know.
Why is the detail from the 4,000 responses received not available at today’s meeting? The key concerns as identified are very similar to those expressed in our survey.
The social isolation reported in our survey is mirrored in your report, but this should have been picked up had there been a proper consultation at the beginning.
Exeter is not a large City, it does not have a multiplicity of public transport options. It is a City that thrives around its local communities, people living local, shopping local and using local trades. The planning of this scheme split into 2 such a community, if that was an intended consequence of this scheme then shame on those who designed it and those who voted in favour.
Let us have no more delay. Pause this scheme, remove the planters and the bollards and sit down properly with the local community, trades and businesses to find a practical solution.
Anne Jobson OBE
Exeter Conservative Group Leader, Exeter City Council
