The fundamental problem for the traffic in this area is that the Paris Street roundabout cannot cope with the level of evening peak time traffic resulting in traffic backing up to Magdalen Road. If the traffic that cuts through Southernhay is then forced to use the Magdalen Road/Western Way route there will be more traffic queuing on this route, probably resulting in traffic extending back to the South Street junction. The consultation has failed to consider the consequences of changes to Barnfield Road and the highway network other than the pleasantness of making Barnfield Road a quieter road.
In addition, the daytime traffic that currently uses Southernhay to access the two Princesshay car parks will in the future have to access these via Western Way and Paris Street, adding more vehicles to that route for those travelling from the west of Exeter. Whilst it is desirable to reduce the level of traffic in the Southernhay area, especially that which cuts through at peak times, it strikes us that the problem of traffic congestion in this area will only be solved through changes at Paris Street roundabout to improve the flow of traffic. We suggest that this should be the transport teams’ main priority rather than this proposal.
It may also be worth considering the implications of any accident or other blockage in the lower part of Southernhay East – how will traffic exit the area in the evident of such an incident if the only way out of what will be a cul-de-sac is blocked?
For our full response and the comments on all three phases of these plans, see the document in the sidebar.
Proposed changes:
Proposed phases:
Link to the wider cycle network:
Artist’s impression of the change in Barnfield Road:
