On Wednesday 11 November, Devon County Council’s Cabinet approved the construction of a £2.2 million scheme near Exeter Science Park, located in the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone.

The site is designed to relieve traffic congestion on the A30 Honiton Road and Moor Lane roundabout. Drivers will be able to park outside of Exeter and switch to sustainable forms of transport – bus, bicycle or car share – for journeys into the city.

Councillor Ian Thomas, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for finance and Chair of Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone Board, said:

“We’re delighted to see this project get the go-ahead from Devon County Councillors last week, with funding though our Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone.

“Clean growth in East Devon is key for future sustainable development in our district.

“The park and change facility is a further component of the phased transport strategy which is designed to provide real alternatives to the use of the private car.”

The site will provide 300 parking bays, initially with six charging points for electric vehicles, six electric bikes available to hire, and cycle lockers to securely store 20 bicycles for commuters.

A shared footpath and cyclepath on Anning Drive will connect the park and change site to the E4 cycle route, and a path will also link to the old A30.

The project, which received planning approval in October 2018, is being funded through National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) and Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone.

The NPIF funding is also delivering improvements to Moor Lane roundabout, a new strategic cycle route, and the expansion of the Co-Bikes electric bike hire scheme.

Work on the scheme could start as early as February next year.