Exeter cyclist records 14 cars driving wrong way down 'pop-up'cycle-way in just 35 minutes

Going the wrong way down a one way street?
QUOTE:
A cyclist and environmental campaigner has reported 14 cars for allegedly driving the wrong way through one of Exeter's 'pop-up' cycleways in just 35 minutes.

Caspar Hughes says he waited at Wonford Road on Tuesday morning and captured the vehicles going past an obvious one-way sign in a little more than half an hour.

He then reported his findings to the police via Operation Snap, who are now investigating.

"I would love to say I was shocked at what I saw," Caspar told DevonLive. "But I wasn't.

"I first went down there about six weeks ago and saw lots of cars buzzing through despite the one-way sign and I spoke to Operation Snap then, but they said the scheme needed time to bed in - which I understand.

"This time there were parents still having to cycle on the pavements with their kids to avoid the traffic coming through, which is ridiculous.

"I know buses are allowed through, but private vehicles aren't and it is not safe for people to walk or cycle on that road when cars are still coming through.

"At that time of the morning, kids need to be able to get to school safely."

Caspar later posted an update from the police regarding their intention to pursue the matter with the motorists concerned.

The series of temporary measures have appeared across Exeter and are designed to support social distancing for walkers and cyclists while easing congestion in certain areas.

Magdalen Road is arguably the most high-profile of the roads affected, with a temporary one-way system introduced by Devon County Council to make it safer and more convenient for those on foot or on bikes

It follows the Government’s announcement of a £250 million emergency active travel fund – as the first stage of a £2 billion national investment in walking and cycling.

The moves have proved popular with many, although some business owners have complained that it has adversely affected trade.

"These things do need time to bed in," continued Caspar.

"I do a lot of work on Magdalen Road and every time apart from the last time I was there, I see drivers going down it the wrong way.

"It is not malicious - they are just used to driving down it as they have done for years. But in order for Exeter to meet 2030 carbon neutral aspirations, we need a radical shift in transport in the city. If we can’t manage minor shifts now, then how are we going to achieve those very ambitious targets?"

Chief Inspector Steve Lenney, Head of Roads Policing, said: “We know that members of the public can get frustrated when they see drivers getting away with offences that can place them and other road users at risk.

“Operation Snap is a great initiative allowing members of the public to share video footage with us of offences they’ve captured on dash and cycle cams for the consideration of prosecution.

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon...4-cars-4546405

On Friday, 25 September 2020 at 17:38:24 UTC+1, wrote:
Going the wrong way down a one way street?
QUOTE:
A cyclist and environmental campaigner has reported 14 cars for allegedly driving the wrong way through one of Exeter's 'pop-up' cycleways in just 35 minutes.

Caspar Hughes says he waited at Wonford Road on Tuesday morning and captured the vehicles going past an obvious one-way sign in a little more than half an hour.

He then reported his findings to the police via Operation Snap, who are now investigating.

"I would love to say I was shocked at what I saw," Caspar told DevonLive. "But I wasn't.

"I first went down there about six weeks ago and saw lots of cars buzzing through despite the one-way sign and I spoke to Operation Snap then, but they said the scheme needed time to bed in - which I understand.

"This time there were parents still having to cycle on the pavements with their kids to avoid the traffic coming through, which is ridiculous.

"I know buses are allowed through, but private vehicles aren't and it is not safe for people to walk or cycle on that road when cars are still coming through.

"At that time of the morning, kids need to be able to get to school safely."

Caspar later posted an update from the police regarding their intention to pursue the matter with the motorists concerned.

The series of temporary measures have appeared across Exeter and are designed to support social distancing for walkers and cyclists while easing congestion in certain areas.

Magdalen Road is arguably the most high-profile of the roads affected, with a temporary one-way system introduced by Devon County Council to make it safer and more convenient for those on foot or on bikes

It follows the Government’s announcement of a £250 million emergency active travel fund – as the first stage of a £2 billion national investment in walking and cycling.

The moves have proved popular with many, although some business owners have complained that it has adversely affected trade.

"These things do need time to bed in," continued Caspar.

"I do a lot of work on Magdalen Road and every time apart from the last time I was there, I see drivers going down it the wrong way.

"It is not malicious - they are just used to driving down it as they have done for years. But in order for Exeter to meet 2030 carbon neutral aspirations, we need a radical shift in transport in the city. If we can’t manage minor shifts now, then how are we going to achieve those very ambitious targets?"

Chief Inspector Steve Lenney, Head of Roads Policing, said: “We know that members of the public can get frustrated when they see drivers getting away with offences that can place them and other road users at risk.

“Operation Snap is a great initiative allowing members of the public to share video footage with us of offences they’ve captured on dash and cycle cams for the consideration of prosecution.

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon...4-cars-4546405

Obviously the drivers had to swerve to avoid an unlit cyclist or just had a momentary lapse of concentration.