Travellers spotted pitched up at Exeter park and ride

A group of Travellers have been seen parked up in Exeter's park and ride. A number of caravans were spotted at Honiton Road Park and Ride car park this morning (Saturday, May 18).

A picture shared with DevonLive by a local shows at least five caravans parked up at the site. It is unclear if they are still there or if they have moved on.

The site is owned by Devon County Council and is used by Stagecoach bus services arriving into Exeter. On the council's website, they state that their park and rides are unlocked in time for the first bus of the day and locked after the arrival of the last bus. While parking is free for those using the bus services, they say that parking is not permitted overnight.

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Honiton Road Park and Ride and Sowton Park and Ride have regularly been used by groups of Travellers in recent years. In 2019, Sowton Park and Ride was temporarily closed to the public when a group locked themselves into the car park, several days after arriving.

In August 2023, Devon County Council confirmed they were taking steps to remove an encampment from Sowton Park and Ride, as well as another at nearby Honiton Park and Ride, where one local reported having seen "20 to 30" caravans.

A group of Travellers were last spotted setting up camp at Sowton Park and Ride earlier this year. DevonLive reported at the time that the council was taking action against the unauthorised encampment and would issue an eviction notice.

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