DEVON County Council has refuted claims that it is delaying a move to bring traffic back to a blocked Exeter street.

The Exeter highways and traffic orders committee (HATOC) has agreed to look again at Dryden Road, which has been closed to vehicles since the Covid lockdown in 2020, when it was designated a traffic-free route in and out of the city for cyclists and pedestrians.

Supporters say it made a big difference, improving safety and cutting pollution.

But opponents say it just moved the traffic and the fumes to other neighbouring streets, as well as creating a risky rat-run through the nearby hospital grounds.

The decision to reopen the road was taken by the HATOC in July. There will be a 20mph speed limit and design work is currently under way to create a scheme that allows vehicles to return while implementing traffic-calming measures to slow down cars and protect pedestrians and cyclists.

The county council plans to present the final design scheme to HATOC councillors, whose next meeting is on October 12.

But people campaigning for the re-opening of the road say the process is taking too long.

Ian Frankum, who has spent years campaigning for the road to be opened up to all users again, said the latest actions of county council officers showed “a worrying disregard” for the people of Wonford, hospital staff, visitors and councillors.

“This is no longer simply a case of kicking the can down the road,” he said.

“It is a deliberate delay that risks pushing any meaningful progress on reopening Dryden Road into 2027, despite a clear democratic mandate for action.”

In a recent public consultation 73 per cent of people who responded supported the re-opening, and the HATOC voted by eight votes to two to revoke the Traffic Regulation Order that closed the road.

“The message from both the public and elected councillors could not have been clearer,” said Mr Frankum.

Meanwhile, the Exeter Cycling Campaign has raised nearly £4,000 through a crowdfunding page to pay for specialist legal advice.

In a statement online it said the county council was planning to consult on removing the traffic filter on Dryden Road without measures to protect people cycling despite advice from Active Travel England – the government’s expert body – which said the proposal would create a “critical safety issue”.

The statement goes on: “Over many months we have made our case through the democratic process. We have attended meetings, submitted evidence and worked with councillors to find a safer solution. Despite these efforts, the proposal to remove the filter continues to move forward.

“We have therefore sought advice from a national law firm with a strong track record in road safety cases.”

The county council says the budget for the physical changes in Dryden Road still needs to be confirmed by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority during its capital programme approval this autumn.

Local councillors and highways officers have discussed possible designs including measures to slow traffic and improve facilities for walking and cycling. The proposals being considered include advisory cycle lanes, crossings, and road humps.

“Officers are currently working through the detail to make sure the designs are safe, practical and offer value for money,” said a spokesperson at County Hall.

Traffic Regulation Orders, which are needed to make changes to the road, cannot be advertised for public comment until a plan has been prepared to show how the road would look and operate in future.

That plan also needs to be considered by HATOC members before statutory consultations can begin, probably in October.

Cllr Michael Mitchell (Lib Dem, Duryard and Pennsylvania), who chairs the Exeter HATOC, said: “This week’s workshop with local councillors and highways officers was constructive, and the design work for Dryden Road is progressing well. We want a scheme that allows traffic to return but also slows vehicles and makes the road safer for people walking and cycling.

“Before the Traffic Regulation Orders can be advertised, people need to see the scheme plan and understand what is being proposed. That plan also needs to be considered by HATOC first.

“We know people are keen to have their say, which is why this step matters. It will help make sure that the TRO consultation is clear and fair, and that the process is less open to challenge.”

However, Mr Frankum summed up: “The people have spoken. HATOC has spoken. It is now time for Devon County Council to stop delaying and start delivering.”