Exeter’s Fore Street Bus Lane Plans Modified Following Public Opposition

Proposals for implementing a 12-hour bus lane on a key thoroughfare leading into Exeter have undergone reconsideration following public resistance. Previously, local councillors intended for the bus lane on Fore Street, located in Heavitree, to be active for 12 hours daily, with camera surveillance to detect violations. Certain local businesses expressed concerns that sustained commercial activity would be unfeasible if customers were unable to conduct deliveries or collections throughout the day. The Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) has since presented revised plans, suggesting the bus lane operate between 07:00 and 10:00, and again from 16:00 to 19:00, from Monday through Saturday. Numerous establishments, including restaurants, shops, and other businesses situated along Fore Street, display ‘Save Our Shops’ posters in their windows, signifying their participation in a campaign opposing the 12-hour bus lane. Lyn Burgoyne, who owns Burgoyne’s Estate Agents, stated: “A 12-hour bus lane would absolutely kill the traders in Heavitree and I really don’t think there’d be many of us left.” She added: “Unfortunately it would mean there’d be no loading, no stopping, no ability for people to drop off their laundry at the laundrette, no ability for Securicor to pick up money from the Post Office until after seven o’clock at night.” Ms Burgoyne indicated that she, along with other local merchants, was reviewing the most recent amended proposals. Proponents of the original 12-hour bus lane scheme contended that the updated proposal, which restricts bus lane operation to mornings and early evenings, would yield “limited benefits as it does not focus on the hours of the day at which buses are slowest”. The campaigner asserted: “Looking at the data leads directly to the conclusion that the bus lane must be enforced for 12 hours a day to make a real impact on bus journey times, reliability, and encouraging people to switch from cars to buses.” Ms Devenish indicated her desire for councillors to evaluate alternatives, such as a 12-hour bus lane incorporating exemptions for deliveries, and providing 30 minutes of complimentary parking in an adjacent council-operated car park. She commented: “This would make bus travel a more attractive option whilst continuing to support our shops and local services.” Presently, the loading restrictions on Fore Street are limited to Monday through Friday, from 08:00 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 18:30. The committee, comprising councillors from both Devon County Council and Exeter City Council, is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to render a conclusive decision regarding these proposals. Information regarding BBC Devon can be found on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites and provides information on its external linking policy.