Fury over Exeter bus lane and parking changes

A decision to increase bus lane operating times along a main road into Exeter and remove some car parking spaces could be appealed. There is opposition from traders in Heavitree after Devon Council County (DCC) announced proposals to introduce a 12-hour bus lane in Fore Street, Heavitree, and take away parking in North Street.

Campaigner Ian Frankum handed in petitions totalling 2,300 signatures warning the changes would cause major problems. At a meeting of the council's Highways and Traffic Orders Committee this Tuesday, November 12, committee members agreed on revised proposals to change operational times to Monday to Friday only from 7am to 10pm and 4pm to 7pm, and go ahead with the changes in North Street.

Restrictions in Fore Street were previously in place from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 9.30am and 4pm to 6.30pm. Traders in Heavitree had united to oppose the plans stating they were 'ridiculous' because businesses would struggle to survive if they were unable to receive deliveries.

However, the proposals also received support by those keen to for priority for buses to reduce bus travel plans, encouraging more people to use public transport. The changes are part of the council's Exeter Bus Service Improvement Plans to reduce bus journey times by up to four minutes in some parts of the city.

Despite the restrictions being amended, Heavitree business owner Karen Jones, who opened Thrifty Stylist on North Street in 2023, fears for the future of her business because the changes in North Street will be going ahead despite the concerns she raised.

Karen took over premises occupied by long-established florist Dunstans after it relocated onto Fore Street after a charity shop closed. The new and pre-loved homewares, clothing and gifts shop has proved to be a popular addition to mix of the shops in Heavitree but after a successful start, it is now uncertain how trade will be affected.

Karen said: "I was disappointed with the outcome. I requested the compromise of a loading bay if they were going to remove the parking spaces as indicated.

"Unfortunately, they seem to think a single yellow line some distance from my shop would be sufficient for me to load and unload large items of furniture. This is absolutely not viable as we would have to carry furniture along the pavement which is often busy with pedestrians.

"At the moment I'm not sure what impact it will have on the business. I will probably try and appeal for the loading bay.

"I have a thriving business which is very well supported by the local community, but furniture sales make up about 60 per cent of my revenue. If I can't load and unload relatively easily, I'm not sure what the future holds."

After Tuesday's meeting, Richard Barnes, owner of Superwash Laundrette on Fore Street, told the BBC he was 'disappointed' the bus lane times had been extended but added: "On the whole, it was a sensible compromise."

Prior to the meeting, he told DevonLive that he feared for the future of his business. He said: "The ability to park close to the Laundrette is essential for its viability. Customers either stop to drop off their washing and then collect it later or they park to complete their own washing. Without that facility, the laundrette could not survive."

Among those who attended the meeting was Independent Heavitree councillor Lucy Haigh.

Also unhappy by the outcome, she said: "Following recent amendments to Exeter’s bus lane extension, I became increasingly concerned about the removal of loading options, which could have long-term impacts on both residents and businesses on Fore Street and North Street. Seeking clarity, I attended the latest Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting where it was confirmed—after much discussion—that loading times would indeed be aligned with the new bus lane schedule.

"Unfortunately, these meetings do not allow direct interaction between residents and council officers, and while North Street’s specific concerns were raised, officers’ responses often missed the nuances of our community’s needs. The crux of the problem is the lack of representation from a Devon County councillor.

"Our community’s voice remains unheard at Devon County Council, leaving us underrepresented. Traders’ concerns were dismissed as mere opposition, underscoring just how out of touch Devon County Council can be when it comes to respecting the valid concerns of local businesses and residents."