Devon County Council advertised Traffic Regulation Orders for permanent changes on Chard Road, Exeter between 28 April and 20 May 2022. The Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) meeting of 6 June 2022 subsequently resolved to consult on a proposed modification to these Traffic Regulation Orders between 7 June and 17 June 2022.
Following consideration of the representations received in relation to the Traffic Regulation Orders, the Devon County Council (Chard Road, Exeter) (Prohibition of Vehicles) Order 2022 was made on 6 July 2022. This implements a permanent prohibition of vehicles at the location of the existing temporary prohibition.
Proposed Traffic Regulation Orders
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is a legal document which allows Devon County Council or the police to enforce traffic regulations, such as speed limits, on-street parking and prohibitions of vehicles.
These TROs will prohibit the passage of vehicles (excluding cycles and certain other classes of vehicle, as set out in the Draft Order – 5979) from a point 43 metres west of the junction of Chard Road and Whipton Lane to a point 44 metres west of the same junction. This would make permanent the temporary restrictions introduced in July 2020.
These TROs will also introduce sections of ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ restrictions along Chard Road (see Draft Order – 5980 for a schedule of the proposed restrictions) so that vehicles do not park inappropriately. This would ensure that cycles can safely and comfortably proceed past the closure point and continue along the E3 cycle corridor.
Objectives of proposals
The section of Chard Road between the junctions with Whipton Lane and Nicholas Road forms part of the E3 cycle corridor, which connects Redhayes Bridge, Whipton, Heavitree and Exeter city centre. A modal filter on Homefield Road and contraflow cycling along Park Place has already been implemented in the area to facilitate the E3 cycle corridor.
By removing through vehicular traffic from Chard Road, it is intended to provide continuity along the E3 route, providing a more attractive route for cyclists, as well as improving the amenity of the area, for example by reducing traffic noise on Chard Road. They will build upon Devon County Council’s encouragement of active travel in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and support the Council’s Climate Emergency objectives by encouraging modal shift away from the private car.
As noted in the Phase 2 Consultation Update, a decision on a potential area-wide traffic filter scheme for Heavitree and Whipton will be made at a future Exeter HATOC meeting. However, it was necessary to consult on permanent changes on Chard Road at this time, due to the legal timescales of the temporary arrangements.
Consultation dates
The proposals for this area were advertised between 28 April and 20 May 2022.
Scheme appearance
The appearance of the permanent scheme will be similar to that of the existing temporary scheme (see image below), with planters used to close the road to vehicular traffic whilst allowing the passage of cycles. Double yellow lines will be introduced adjacent to the closure point.
Illuminated ‘No entry’ and ‘No through road’ (except for cyclists) signs will be introduced along with E3 directional cycle signage, as shown in the Plan. Some redundant signage relating to priorities at the build-out adjacent to the closure point, including ‘Priority over vehicles from the opposite direction’ and ‘Give way’ signs, will be removed.
However, it should be noted that except where explicitly referenced in the Draft Orders, the detailed scheme design is beyond the scope of the TROs (for example, the design of the planters is subject to change).
Proposed Modification
Following feedback from local residents regarding the impact of the closure location on access to their property, a modification to the TROs was consulted on between 7 June and 17 June 2022. This would relocate the closure approximately 20 metres east of the existing temporary scheme.
The consultation on modifying the TROs is now closed.
Documents
To view copies of the deposit documents for the TROs please click on the links below
To view copies of documents relating to the proposed TRO amendment, please click on the links below
To view copies of documents relating to the made and sealed TROs, please click on the links below
Accessibility
Transcripts/descriptions of the draft TRO documents are given below. If you need guidance or an alternative format, email transportplanning@devon.gov.uk with details of any preferred format and the assistive technology you use.
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Advert and statement of reasons
Chard Road, Exeter
Proposed Prohibition of Vehicles & Waiting Restrictions
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
Devon County Council propose for Exeter
Devon County Council (Chard Road, Exeter) (Prohibition of Vehicles) Order 5979 to introduce PROHIBITION OF VEHICLES EXCEPT CYCLES on a specified length of Chard Road
Devon County Council (Chard Road, Exeter) (No Waiting At Any Time) Amendment Order 5980 to introduce NO WAITING AT ANY TIME on specified lengths of Chard Road. There will be the usual exemptions including those in relation to picking up/setting down passengers, loading/unloading goods and disabled persons vehicles
Draft orders, plan and statement of reasons may be seen at https://devon.gov.uk/exeterstreets from 28th April. Free bookable computer use is available during the opening hours of Devon Libraries. Documents are also available to view by appointment during normal office hours at the address below. To book an appointment call 0345 155 1004 or use the form at https://devon.cc/tro
Objections and other comments specifying the proposal and the grounds on which they are made must be in writing to the address below or via https://devon.cc/tro to arrive by 20th May 2022. If you make a submission be aware that contact details and points contributed may be made publicly available in accordance with our legal obligations. Receipt of submissions may not be acknowledged but those received will be considered and may be shared within Devon County Council and our partners. Further information on personal data at https://devon.cc/troprivacy
28th April 2022
reference IMR/B18996| website references 5979/5980
County Solicitor, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD
STATEMENT OF REASONS
During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary restrictions were introduced in July 2020 to temporarily Prohibit All Vehicles, except for cycles, on short length of Chard Road. This section of route forms part of the E3 cycle corridor that connects Redhayes Bridge, Whipton, Heavitree and the City Centre and is part of Exeter’s strategic cycle network.
In order to maintain the free flow of this section of cycle route it is proposed to introduce sections of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions along Chard Road so that vehicles do not park inappropriately.
The restrictions are proposed to avoid danger to persons or other traffic using the road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising, for facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of traffic (including pedestrians) and for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs.
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Draft order - 5979
Devon County Council (Chard Road, Exeter) (Prohibition of Vehicles) Order
Devon County Council make this order under sections 1, 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and all other enabling powers
- This order comes into force ______ and may be cited as “Devon County Council (Chard Road, Exeter) (Prohibition of Vehicles) Order _____’’
- Except as provided in article 3 no person shall cause or permit a vehicle to proceed in the length of road specified in the schedule
- Article 2 does not apply to cycles, emergency service vehicles, vehicles being used in the service of a local authority in pursuance of statutory powers or duties, a pedestrian controlled vehicle or an invalid carriage
Schedule _____ Prohibition of All Vehicles Except Cycles
Length of road in the ward of Heavitree, in the city of Exeter
Chard Road
From a point 43 metres west of its junction with Whipton Lane to a point 44 metres west of that junction
Dated
The COMMON SEAL of )
Devon County Council )
was hereunto affixed )
in the presence of )
Document Number ____________
A Duly Authorised Officer
Reference IMR/B18996
website reference 5979
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Draft order - 5980
Devon County Council (Chard Road, Exeter) (No Waiting At Any Time) Amendment Order
Devon County Council make this order under sections 1, 2, 4, part IV of schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers
- This order comes into force ______ and may be cited as “Devon County Council (Chard Road, Exeter) (No Waiting At Any Time) Amendment Order _____”
- The schedule below is added to Devon County Council (Traffic Regulation & On-Street Parking Places) Consolidation Order 2020 as amended
Schedule 1.001 No Waiting At Any Time
Chard Road, Exeter
- Both sides from a point 40 metres west of its junction with Whipton Lane in a northwesterly direction to its closed end including the end
- the north side from a point 47 metres west of its junction with Whipton Lane in a southeasterly direction to its closed end including the end
- the south side from a point 45 metres west of its junction with Whipton Lane in a southeasterly direction to its closed end including the end
dated
The COMMON SEAL of )
Devon County Council )
was hereunto affixed )
in the presence of )
document number ____________
A Duly Authorised Officer
reference IMR/B18996
website reference 5980
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Plan
The plan shows the proposed closure point on Chard Road, at a location 43m – 44m west of its junction with Whipton Lane. The closure will be constructed using 2 800mm-high (excluding feet and lids) planters, to which will be attached red retro reflective signs. Double yellow lines will be painted adjacent to the closure point, to demarcate the ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ restrictions.
The following signs are proposed to be installed on Chard Road:
Reference Type Location S01 No through road Junction with Hamlin Lane, facing west S02 Except cycles Junction with Hamlin Lane, facing west S03 No entry West of proposed closure point, facing west S03A Except cycles West of proposed closure point, facing west S04 E3 cycle route West of proposed closure point, facing west S05 No entry East of proposed closure point, facing east S05A Except cycles East of proposed closure point, facing east S06 E3 cycle route East of proposed closure point, facing east S07 No through road Junction with Whipton Lane, facing east S08 Except cycles Junction with Whipton Lane, facing east Additionally, redundant signage will be removed, including ‘Give way’, ‘Priority over vehicles from the opposite direction’ and ‘Priority given to vehicles from the opposite direction’ signs.