From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, July 26, 2007

AN exhibition of proposals to reduce traffic congestion in Paris Street and Sidwell Street will be held at Exeter's Guildhall from tomorrow (Friday 27 July) until Monday (30 July).

The scheme, which is jointly proposed and funded by Devon County Council and Exeter City Council, aims to upgrade traffic management and improve the environment for pedestrians.

The proposals set out the case for making the one way system in Paris Street permanent and explain the potential improvements for pedestrians if the current arrangement continues. The plans include tree planting in Sidwell Street and the installation of traffic signals at the Cheeke Street/Sidwell Street junction to help shoppers and reduce traffic queues.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for the Environment, said: "Our research shows that over the last year, since Paris Street has been one way, a third less traffic has travelled through the Paris Street/New North Road/Sidwell Street area of the city centre, so we believe it's right to propose that the current one way Paris Street arrangement be made permanent. The new traffic signals and bus only lanes will help smooth out traffic flows and reduce delays to buses."

Councillor John Shepherd, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Sustainable Development and Transport, said: "I believe that the last year has shown that the Paris Street one way system has resulted in improved conditions for pedestrians in Paris Street. We are now proposing improvements in Sidwell Street. We want to hear the public's views before making a final decision."

The exhibition at The Guildhall is open to the public from 3pm to 8pm on Friday 27 July, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 28 July and 10am to 5pm on Monday 30 July.

Notes for Editors:

For further information contact Devon County Council Media and PR Office on 01392 383262.

John Rigby, Exeter City Council Director of Economy Development, 01392 265192.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council, 01297 680384.