Traffic - Travelling around the Town

From the outset the traffic and parking strategy has to cater for an increase of at least 50% in the volume of cars visiting Exmouth. This figure based on national projections and the anticipated increase in visitors to the town when developments have been completed.

Philosophy - What we are trying to achieve?

• To pedestrianise our town centre making it a quieter, fume free and safer place. This will make it a more attractive place to live and to visit.
• Increase the number of purpose built footpaths/cycle routes which provide traffic free access to the town.
• Provide ample parking within easy walking distance of all key locations.
• Parking in Exmouth needs to be low cost and easy to use without any threat of parking fines.
• Avoid building multi-storey car parks which many people dislike using. They are also unattractive and very costly to build. We should try to find sufficient parking "on the level".
• Business people, and others in the town for long periods, should not need to park on the street in nearby residential areas.
• Parking spaces close to the town centre should not be used for heavy vehicles and coaches. These vehicles do however require secure parking without risk of theft or vandalism. Drivers will need to be able to travel to and from the town centre from these car parks.
• Whilst an objective is to reduce fumes by excluding vehicles from shopping/leisure areas, it is accepted that provision must be made for:
  • public transport (10 mph limit in shopping streets)
  • taxi pick-up points in the town centre (rank adjacent).
  • Set down/pick up points for coaches near to, but not in, the town centre.

How can this be achieved?

• Pedestrianisation: Vehicles (except buses and taxis) will be excluded from all main shopping areas (i.e. The Strand, The Parade and the Magnolia Centre.). This will have particular benefits for the new 'Shopmobility' Scheme.
• Traffic: Where possible, one-way systems will be introduced on main routes around the town. This should improve traffic flow and make it safer for pedestrians (easier to cross and you only need to look one way!). They will also provide more opportunities for the development of cycle routes and the widening of pavements.
• Cycling: The creation of safe cycle routes will continue to be a priority. There should be routes throughout the town centre and cycle paths should be established along key access roads where this is possible. In recommending one-way traffic systems we hope that this may "free up" road space for the creation of new cycle lanes. Plenty of cycle stands should provided to enable cyclists to leave their bicycles safely near to all the shops and amenities.
• Parking spaces:
  • Look for more level parking spaces adjacent to the town centre (for example the present rugby pitch? Note: If this area is used funds should be made available to enable the club to relocate).
  • Review the proposed development areas and see whether alternative approaches (for example, where any supermarket might be located) could allow more of this "development" land to be used for parking.
  • Relocate the present lorry/coach park. One option could be the present Maer Road car park, which is under-used at present. This is already fenced and, with the addition of CCTV, could be made very secure. Another option might be the area around the old Salterton Road tip which has already has a good bus service.
  • Create long term car parking near the town centre (for example, on the present police station site and the old fire station.).
• Parking arrangements and charges:
  • Parking charges should be kept low.
  • Main car parks should be "pay on departure" so that there is no need to check parking tickets or impose fines. This makes efficient use of space and raises 'take' and turnover.
  • Charges in long stay car parks should be low enough to encourage people to use them.
• On-street parking: On-street parking will be retained in shopping areas outside the immediate town centre. Where possible one-way traffic systems and "echelon" parking will be introduced to improve safety and make parking easier. Opportunities for local car parks will be sought and parking by non-residents in residential areas will be discouraged.
• Through traffic: Where possible proposals will be made which will reduce the level of through traffic in residential areas (for example, The Colony). This may involve limiting the number of access roads, creating 'home streets' and cul de sacs.
• Delivery vehicles should be banned from the town centre during core hours (8:30 to 18:30) unless a permit has been acquired in advance from the council.
• Coach set-down/pick-up points.These are required adjacent to (but not in!) the pedestrianised areas of the town centre (for example, opposite the Imperial Road car park.
• Taxi rank: This should be moved. One suggestion is that the front two taxis of the main taxi rank should be where the present traffic lights are opposite the Powder Monkey. Access to the rank could be from Victoria Road. Departing taxis would have to leave via the "station" roundabout on Marine Way.
• Buses: Buses will be allowed into some of the pedestrian areas to enable them to bring people to and from the town centre. The use of public transport will be encouraged.