The scheme for one-way flow of traffic across the Iron Bridge in Exeter has caused knock-on congestion, lengthened journeys in the city centre and severe frustration across Exeter. Although well intentioned, the experiment to temporarily implement a one-way Iron Bridge has failed. Devon County Council and the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) should cease the temporary measures, revoke funds for any extension and immediately withdraw the proposal to make the measure permanent.

The temporary measures were implemented to improve social distancing on Queen Street during the pandemic. There is no justification or evidence from the Council or HATOC to show:

• any COVID-related benefit - to social distancing or virus-control.
• vehicle drivers are complying - two-way traffic on the Bridge remains significant (by the Council's own admission).
• any environmental improvements - no data on pedestrian / cyclist numbers, public transport use or air quality.
• no knock-on effect elsewhere - increased journey distances and localised pollution from redirected traffic to surrounding roads. 
• any benefits to the local community -  poor implementation has yielded a dangerous situation for pedestrians, residents, cyclists, primary school / nursery children and church-goers on Dinham Road and St David's Hill.

This petition forms part of a consultation response to Devon County Council from the residents, visitors and workforce of Exeter, objecting to a permanent one-way Iron Bridge.