A CAMPAIGNER fighting to get an Exeter road re-opened for traffic has urged councillors not to delay a vital public consultation.

Members of the city’s highways and traffic orders committee (HATOC) have decided to ask local people what they think about the closure of Dryden Road, which has been closed to cars since the pandemic in 2020.

Local resident Ian Frankum has been at the forefront of a campaign to re-open it for cars, saying the closure has transferred congestion and pollution onto other roads in the neighbourhood.

Supporters of the ban, on the other hand, say it has meant a safer route for commuters on bikes as well as children going to and from school.

Now the HATOC’s consultation has been delayed, and Mr Frankum says local people want action.

“All those seeking the re-opening of Dryden Road for all users whether walkers, wheelers, cyclists or motor vehicles users, are extremely disappointed,” he said.

Devon County Council has confirmed that while it had originally intended to start the consultation in January or February, the area to be canvassed has widened after the HATOC requested that nearby Bovemoors Lane should be included.

A spokesman said: “This has increased the amount of preparation work needed, but we remain committed to consulting as soon as possible in 2026.

“Further information will be provided to HATOC on January 29.”

Mr Frankum, however, has written to members of the HATOC – a hybrid committee with members from the county council and Exeter City Council – urging them not to delay.

“Local residents and hospital staff and visitors have suffered enough,” he said. “The delay just puts off the most sensible option that is staring them all in the face. There is room for all on Dryden Road.”

The road was closed during the pandemic to provide walkers, wheelers and cyclists with a safe and traffic-free route into the city centre.

He said the proposed timeline had originally anticipated a consultation starting in January, with analysis to come before the HATOC in April. Now, it could be July before the findings of the consultation are discussed.