Skip to content

ePetition details

We the undersigned petition the council to Complete the good start they have made in making Heavitree a safer place to live We the undersigned are pleased that the council is taking action to reduce rat-run traffic in Heavitree to allow the road space to be safe for ALL road users of ALL ages. We are concerned however that the recent change focusses the traffic onto sweetbrier lane and Hamlin lane, increasing traffic volume and speed and adversely affecting safety for residents and road users. We call upon the council to consider the whole area and make changes to remove ALL through traffic from heavitree residential streets. We believe that a neighbourhood where car usage is reduced would help the council achieve its stated aims of improving air quality, combating climate change and promoting an active lifestyle to improve the physical and mental health of the population"

We are Appreciative of the changes thus far to reduce the amount of motor traffic using the E3 cycle route into the city as part of the measures to allow for greater use of cycles to compliment and take the pressure from public transport especially in the response to the COVID situation. The current road closures unfortunately have already demonstrated a shift in traffic to Sweetbrier Lane and Hamlin lane in particular.

While sweetbrier lane has some traffic calming measures installed they are not sufficient to reduce the speeds of traffic flowing down this residential street. Several contacts have been made over the past year to the council to address this but with no action taken. In particular, the roundabout at the junction between sweetbrier lane and Whipton lane frequently experiences fast traffic and has, to our knowledge, experienced 3 collisions in the past year. Most recently a lady knocked from her bicycle 2 weeks ago. This is the point that E3 crosses sweetbrier lane and it is conceivable that increased traffic volume, at inappropriate speeds would further increase the risk at this point. It is key to note that the road is at its busiest at rush hour, when if the scheme is successful there will be increased numbers of bicycles using the roundabout for their own commute to work. It is also the time when there are the most school-children walking to school who are also placed at risk by fast moving traffic.

We would call upon the council to make further point closures to ensure the area is entirely closed to through traffic. This would enable a safer environment for cyclists and those who choose active methods of transport. We note on your website ongoing consideration to closures on Ladysmith rd and Hamlin Lane (above the roundabout where no bus route exists to necessitate a Bus gate) and we support and urge the council to pursue these measures in a short timescale.

We feel really encouraged that the council is acting in this way and feel there is an opportunity for it to demonstrate significant benefit to all with this scheme in Heavitree. If it is done well, it could act as a positive example for further changes throughout the city of Exeter and generate local support. We are however nervous that if poorly and partially implemented, with redistribution of traffic on unsuitable residential roads, it could become an example of what NOT to do and cause an increase in resistance to proposed changes in the future.

Many thanks for the Good work so far, please continue making Exeter a more sustainable, safe, happy and healthy place to live

Started by: Ben Greenwood

This ePetition ran from 23/06/2020 to 21/09/2020 and has now finished.

One person signed this ePetition.


Top