£3m to be invested in improving Exeter cycle routes

Investment in cycle routes in Exeter vital to tackle city's fragile traffic system, says councillor.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, the cabinet member for highway management, told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday that last year over £1m of investment had made into the strategic cycle network and in the next two years, will be another £3m of investment into the key strategic cycle routes from the east of Exeter into the city.

He added that construction this year will continue to the Newton Abbot East-West Cycle Route which will connect new developments to the town centre, including the new planned Houghton Barton development which will deliver around 2,000 new homes.

The news was welcomed by Cllr Rob Hannaford, who said that it would help improve the very fragile traffic system in Exeter.

Cllr Hannaford said: “We all know that we have a very fragile traffic system in Exeter. All it takes is a few roadworks or an accident and quite often it grinds to a halt, so it is obvious that we need to put as much money as we can into cycle routes and transport. It is not the case that one day it might grind to a halt, it already does, and it is not for the want of our best efforts to tackle it, but this is a step in the right direction and we welcome the investment.”

East Devon District Council’s Leader, Cllr Paul Diviani added: “The Zone has just celebrated its first anniversary and is already seeing businesses taking advantage of the business rate relief scheme.

“Going forward, we need to invest in the Zone to overcome barriers to growth and support catalytic investments.  The four projects will help to unlock new commercial space and ultimately help to support around 10,000 new jobs across the Enterprise Zone area.”