Public consultation on possible changes to Dryden Road in Exeter has reopened.
The consultation was briefly paused this week while councillors asked for clarification about the proposals.
Devon County Council has explained that the pause followed questions about what the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee agreed, and what option was then put out to consultation.
Councillors agreed to consult on an option for two‑way traffic on Dryden Road with a light‑segregated cycle facility, which uses features such as planters or bollards rather than a full kerb separating cyclists from traffic.
At the meeting in January, it was made clear that the options were indicative and subject to further design work.
That work has since shown that a light‑segregated cycle route cannot fit within the existing road width. It would require third‑party land and the removal of a retaining wall. This was judged to be impractical, very costly and unviable.
The option being consulted on therefore proposes two‑way traffic with an advisory cycle lane, marked by paint. Drivers may enter the lane when needed.
Councillors queried the difference between the two approaches and also discussed the sub options for different approaches to parking and cycling at the eastern end of Dryden Road.
The pause in the consultation allowed councillors to meet with officers to discuss the issues and agreed to restart the consultation with no change to the consultation options or materials.
Councillor Michael Mitchell, Chair of the Exeter HATOC, said:
“It was right to pause briefly while we looked into why the option described to the committee was different in detail to what is now being consulted on.
“I would encourage the community to take part in this important public consultation, the outcome of which will help councillors to decide on the way forward.
“No decision has been made. That will follow at a HATOC meeting later in the year.”
Comments already submitted remain valid and will be considered by the committee.
The consultation period will be extended and will now close on Friday 10 April at 11.59pm to reflect the pause.