Help experts devise ways to cut traffic congestion in Exeter

Residents and commuters could win an ipad if they share their travelling habits to help inform a pioneering project to cut congestion in Exeter.

The results of the online survey, which went live on Monday 2 May 2016, will help transport experts devise ways to cut traffic congestion in and around the City and improve the daily commute.

Those taking part in the online survey will be entered into a prize draw.

It is all part of the Engaged Smart Transport project, which will use the latest research and technology to trial new, innovative ways to tackle traffic problems as the City looks to expand by up to 12,000 new homes over the next decade.

Devon County Council and Exeter City Council have joined forces with a consortium led by global IT services provider NTT DATA, to deliver the two-year scheme, which is being funded by InnovateUK.

The project team will analyse traffic hot-spots, key routes in and out of the City including the Exmouth to Exeter corridor (A376) by using real-time traffic and weather sensor data.

Social media feedback, observations from drivers and the public and the latest traffic algorithm technology will also be used to create solutions to cut congestion customised specifically to Exeter.

The University of Exeter has developed the survey which will examine commuting habits, typical journey details, influencing factors why people travel the way they do and their awareness of existing alternative transport methods.

The survey is aimed at people aged 17 and over who commute in and out of Exeter to their place of work or study, and will take about 15 minutes to complete.

Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with special responsibility for Exeter, said: “Thousands of new homes and 60 hectares of new business land is planned in the city up to 2026 and if we are to unlock Exeter’s full economic potential we need to make the best use of the vast amount of data various organisations have to help manage our transport network.

“Participation by those who work, shop and live in Exeter is key, and the consortium heading the project wants as many people as possible to fill out the online survey.”

You can fill out the on-line survey at: www.commute-exeter.com