Exeter Transport Strategy adopted

Councillors have supported a new transport strategy for Exeter which sets out ambitious plans to increase active travel, enhance public transport and improve air quality over the next ten years.

The strategy aligns with the County Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency and is an important step towards net zero carbon in the city.

Devon County Council’s Cabinet has adopted the Exeter Transport Strategy 2020-2030, enabling the document to be used as the basis for transport improvements in the city.

The three main proposals of the document are:

- To provide greater connectivity on routes into Exeter from outside the city, with frequent rail and bus services, strategic cycle trails, and Park and Ride services on all key corridors;

- Increasing the number of journeys made on foot, by bike or bus in the city. Pedestrian and cycle routes will be enhanced to achieve a target of 50% of trips by foot and cycle, and expanded to connect up communities on the edge of the city;

- Introducing innovative technology solutions to make travel easier. Aspirations include the development of a new zero emission transport subscription service, joining up an electric vehicle car club, the UK's largest on-street electric cycle hire network (Co-Bikes), and proposed low carbon bus services.

These proposals were positively received during a public consultation carried out last year. Feedback from the consultation has helped to inform the strategy, with the three most popular proposals being Park and Ride on all corridors, 50% of trips being made by walking and cycling, and to maximise the efficiency of the existing network.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “This updated strategy will enable us to tackle congestion, reduce carbon and support clean growth. The County Council has a good track record in getting schemes shovel ready, and this has enabled us to attract external funding to deliver vital infrastructure improvements. The latest strategy reflects current trends and priorities to ensure we have schemes in the pipeline to tap into any available funding.”

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Liaison for Exeter, said: “This strategy reinforces our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, while also supporting economic growth and active travel in the city. It will be a challenge to achieve a carbon neutral transport system but this strategy sets us on the right path to improve travel choices and people’s quality of life.”

The County Council has helped to deliver around £100 million of new transport infrastructure for the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point area since 2011 - this has included motorway junction improvements, strategic cycling infrastructure, new bus services and new rail stations.

The Exeter Transport Strategy 2020-2030 and Cabinet report can be viewed at https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/documents/s33455/Exeter%20Transport%20Strategy%202020-2030.pdf