Green councillors in Exeter have accused Labour of lacking commitment to School Streets – a scheme where roads outside a school operate temporary traffic restrictions at drop-off and pick-up times – despite cross-party support for the idea.
Six months ago, Exeter councillors passed a Green proposed motion calling on Devon County Council “to work with schools and communities to increase the number of School Streets in Exeter, where schools are willing to explore this option and to ensure full consultation with residents [2]”. However, no action has been taken.
Green councillor for Newtown & St Leonard’s, Lynn Wetenhall, said:
“Despite agreeing that the school run is causing serious problems of safety, and health impacts in many schools in the city, Labour have done nothing at all since the Motion to take action was passed. It was a simple enough request – to open dialogue with the County Council to express the City Council’s wish to see action. The failure to do so is letting down schools, parents and children who want School Streets in place for their schools.”
Cllr Lynn Wetenhall added:
“School Streets improve children’s physical and mental health by increasing levels of walking, wheeling and cycling to school and reducing local air pollution.”
Exeter Green Party councillors have written to the Labour leader of the City Council, Phil Bialyk, asking him to respect the Council’s decision and explain what action he will take and by when, and when an update on the outcomes of discussions with Devon County Council can be expected [4].
Devon’s Green Exeter County Councillors have produced a briefing on School Streets for teachers, governors and parents which has been sent to a number of Exeter schools.
Notes
- Amended motion passed by ECC Council, Dec 17th 2025 (item 84)
- Letter to Exeter City Council leader, Phil Bialyk:
As you know, Council passed a Motion with cross-party support, in December last year – 6 months ago – which called on Devon County Council to work with schools and communities to increase the number of School Streets in Exeter, where schools are willing to explore this option and to ensure full consultation with residents. There was agreement by almost all Councillors present, backed by substantial evidence across the UK, that School Streets deliver significant health, safety and amenity benefits to pupils, parents and residents near schools that struggle with ‘school run’ issues.
Following formal questions to you about what actions have been taken since then, we know from your answer to a public question at the June 10th Council meeting, that no action has yet been taken.
Failing to act on what is a simple request – to open dialogue with the County Council to express the City Council’s wish to see more and prompt action on School Streets – after six months is an unacceptable delay to a straightforward and agreed Motion.
Not only has your administration failed to show any commitment to the Motion, it is also failing to take an action on a Motion, and this undermines the democratic principles on which we would all want to see any Council run.
We are looking for reassurance of your commitment to urgently support work across the two authorities to progress this both in a political and action-focused way.
Please can you state what action you will now take, by when, and when councillors can expect an update on the outcomes of your discussions?
Exeter Green Councillors Group