Devon County Council has unveiled plans to alter traffic and parking regulations on two key streets in the heart of Exeter. The proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) target Queen Street and Paul Street, a busy central area near postcode EX4 3SH.
What Are The Proposed Changes?
The council published a statutory notice in the Exeter Express & Echo, outlining two distinct sets of measures. The aim is to better manage the flow of vehicles and kerbside activity in this congested part of the city centre.
For Queen Street, the authority wants to amend waiting controls. The proposal introduces loading at any time but imposes a no waiting at any time rule on specified sections. Standard exemptions would still apply for picking up or setting down passengers, loading or unloading goods, and use by disabled persons' vehicles.
On Paul Street, the council is proposing a prohibition of vehicles travelling in a northeast-bound direction along a defined length of the road. Importantly, the council has confirmed that no road markings will change on either street as a result of these orders.
Potential Impact and How to Have Your Say
These changes could significantly affect local business delivery schedules, short-stay stopping, and general access patterns in and around the two streets. The council is encouraging anyone with concerns or who believes they may be adversely impacted to examine the full details.
The draft orders, supporting plans, and a statement of reasons can be viewed:
- On the council's dedicated traffic regulation orders website.
- Via free, bookable computer access at Devon Libraries during opening hours.
- In person at County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD, during normal office hours.
Any objections or comments must be submitted in writing. They must state the grounds for the representation and reference the scheme: imr/DEV001/1474 (website refs: 6225/6226). Submissions can be sent to the Director of Legal & Democratic Services at County Hall or via the council's website.
The deadline for all representations is Thursday, 29 January 2026.
Next Steps for the Proposals
According to the notice, while receipts may not be sent, all submissions will be considered. Comments will be anonymised before being passed to the Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) for deliberation or published online. Personal details will be handled confidentially in line with the council's privacy policy.
The legal basis for the changes is the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. For complete information, residents and businesses are advised to consult the original public notice and the council's official TRO web pages.
