In relation to the Heavitree Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN), please provide the following information:
1) Are the planters being moved elsewhere and, if so, when?
The planters were moved on Monday 1st July 2024. They are going to be stored in a secure depot until they can be reused for a different purpose.
2) Who monitors which plants are in the planters and who is responsible for removing potentially dangerous vegetation? (The planters currently seem to have Himalayan Balsam in them). If an invasive species gets into the Northbrook Panny, who is responsible for its removal/control and which budget will be charged?
The contractor who completed the installation planted the original set of plants. During the course of the trial, some of the plants had been pulled out by vandals – these plants have not been replaced.
When the plant boxes are removed, any invasive plant species found (such as Himalayan Balsam) will be carefully removed and disposed of by a controlled waste carrier. The cost of this will be charged to the Active Street budget.
Devon County Council are not responsible for the removal or control of Himalayan Balsam from nearby streams or rivers.
3) Who is responsible for future maintenance and how often are they checked to ensure they are in good condition?
Devon County Council do not maintain the plants in the box; this is usually done by community groups, organisations, such as In Exeter, or sponsors.
If the planter boxes were damaged (which would be considered a safety defect), then Devon County Council would repair them.
The Active Street planters are structures during the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) trial period. A permanent design or solution would have been sought if the modal filters were introduced permanently.
4) Who supplied the soil that is in the planters?
The contractor, Ultim8, supplied the soil.