"No traffic strategy by Devon County" claims Exeter council leader

Councillor Pete Edwards calls for summit to prevent city gridlock

Friday's been another day of chaos on Exeter's roads.

The Highways Agency is responsible for major routes such as the M5. Devon County Council is responsible for other roads. Now the city council says something needs to b done. Exeter came to a virtual standstill on Wednesday after a crash on the A38 near Haldon Hill.  Some motorists travelled at only one or two miles an hour.

Councillor Pete Edwards, the Labour leader of Exeter City Council says it's getting worse. That's despite the city wanting to be congestion-free by 2016.

In a short video on Radio Exe's YouYube channel, Cllr Edwards says Devon isn't communicating properly. Bridge Road, for example, should have opened months ago. Contractors have experienced unexpected difficulties, particularly under the road, where much of the work has taken place, including some substandard pillars having to be re-installed. There have been extensive overnight and weekend closures.

Now, on two days in a week, traffic has crawled along. Cllr Edward says this could lead to Exeter getting a reputation as somewhere to avoid.

He wants a meeting between city and county councils, as well as the chamber of commerce.

Watch the video here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GnihP04oCs&t=23s