Consultation to start as council has to follow process

COUNCILLORS given the job of deciding what to do about Exeter's most contentious road closure have been told they must do all they can to consult local people.

- 

Some members of the city’s highways and traffic orders committee wanted to cut out delays and costs by going straight to the reopening of Dryden Road, but chairman Councillor Michael Mitchell told them there could be no short cuts.

Dryden Road has been closed to vehicles since the Covid pandemic, when it was turned into a safe route for cycling, wheeling and walking in and out of the city centre.

Supporters of the closure say it has created a safer, cleaner environment, but opponents say it has just moved congestion and pollution to other neighbouring roads as well as encouraging drivers to ‘rat run’ through the nearby hospital grounds.