First debate on controversial Cambridge congestion charge plan – recap
Councillors expressed their concerns over the Cambridge congestion charge today in the first debate since the consultation results came out last month. The Greater Cambridge Partnership discussed the results of its making Connections’ consultation looking at the proposed Sustainable Travel Zone (STZ) and public transport improvements on July 8.
More than 24,000 people responded to the consultation to share their views on the plans for the proposed ‘Sustainable Travel Zone’ (STZ). The scheme would see drivers travelling into, around and out of Cambridge pay a £5 weekday charge between 7am and 7pm
There would be a number of exemptions and discounts to the road charge had been proposed. These would include for Blue Badge holders and people on low incomes.
Read More: Adapt or scrap? Cambs political leaders divided over congestion charge plans future
The scheme has proved controversial in Cambridge and surrounding areas, with protesters gathering to rally against the scheme and a petition signed by more than 15,000 people being submitted to the council.
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County council meeting could be pushed back
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Next steps
As the discussion is being wrapped up, the GCP’s next steps has been laid out.
Cllr Tim Bick said the joint assembly was not able to make any firm recommendations of changes today, as they do not have the information they would want about the impact of any changes..
He said members had raised things they would like to be considered, and did support changes being looked at.
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‘Some people would have to pay to drive a very short distance’
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‘No consensus on Addrenbrooke’s issue’
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‘Visits to hospital should be free’
Cllr Paul Bearpark said responses to the hospital being within the boundary had “come through strongly in the consultation responses” and said it needed to be addressed.
He suggested it should be free to visit the hospital. He added that it was also important for the “trust in the scheme as a whole”. He said: “We need to be clear on this that patients and visitors are not going to be charged.”
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Should Addenbrook’s Hospital be within the charge boundary?
Cllr Katie Thornburrow said she had heard an “awful lot” about problems trying to drive into and from the hospital site. She highlighted that Cambridge South Station was planned to open, and suggested there could be a free minibus shuttle from the park and ride…
She said: “There could be some really good options if we can highlight them for people they would not be so concerned about it remaining in the zone.”
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Possibility of ‘free days’
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Proposed charge boundary is ‘logical’
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Support for lowering daily £5 charge rate
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Concerns over ‘displaced’ traffic during off-peak travel times
Members have also agreed that there are “doubts” about changing the hours of the operation, but said they want to keep the option on the table at this stage.
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‘City’s poorest can’t be hit’
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Should electric cars be exempt?
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‘We don’t want lorries blocking East Road’
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‘Clear response for businesses needed’
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Anti-charge members open to changes that could sway opinion
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Young people spoke with their future in Cambridge in mind
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‘Grave error of judgement’
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‘Lack of trust in current bus network’
She also said: “There is no point moving forward in the process when the bus network does not support it.”
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‘Proposals came out of the blue’
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‘Status quo is not an option’
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‘Can bus services be aligned with others?’
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‘Modifications can be made’
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Key issues highlighted ahead of discussion
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Overview of what the consultation revealed
- Support for other active transport improvements, but less support for car clubs
- Most people opposed to the STZ – but was supported more by younger people
- More people living outside the proposed charge those oppose the proposed support than those living inside it
- About half of people who oppose a road charge still support the bus improvements
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List of exemptions
Emergency vehicles among those exepmt from the charge, and blue badge holders get 100 per cent discount
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What options didn’t make the final cut?
The GCP ruled out the following options to tackle the issues the city faces
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The challenges facing Cambridge
Among them is population growth and deaths attributed to air pollution
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‘Strong support for active travel and public transport improvements’
Josh Grantham from Camcycle is the latest to ask about funding. His question is below
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STZ proposal ‘one option to provide funding security’
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Various questions submitted
A wave of questions have been put to the GCP, on a range of subjects such as the impact of ‘precarious’ nature of Government funding for sustainable transport if they can’t find a reliable source of money.
14:17Tom Burnett
Workplace parking levy previously considered but rejected
Responding to the first question Lynne Miles, director of city access, said a workplace parking levy has been considered and assessed before but had been rejected. She said the revenue raised from a charge like this would not be able to support the wider scheme on its own.
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Public questions set to begin
The joint assembly is now going to hear the public questions relating to the ‘Making Connections’ consultation.
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Meeting back underway
The chair Cllr Tim Bick has made a reminder of the joint assembly’s role to offer scrutiny, and that any decisions will be made by the executive board, which is made up of members of the county council, the city council, and South Cambs District Council.
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Support for Cambridge Congestion Charge highest among young people
Nearly 2,300 respondents were aged between 16 and 24, with 61% saying they supported or strongly supported the proposals for the STZ. Of 102 respondents aged 15 or under, 55% said they supported or strongly supported the STZ proposals
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Break time
Members of the GCP are going to have a 30 minute break before the congestion charge debate. They should return at approximately 13:55
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Impact of Greenways is ‘big issue’
Councillor Alex Bulat says concerns around Riverside were highlighted to her two years ago, and there’s a ‘long history’ of issues.
She also says the GCP needs to continue listening people to make sure the project is delivered that “actually reflects the concerns of local residents”.
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‘Cambridge congestion charge: final vote should be put to public’
CambridgeshireLive editor Steve Thompson believes ‘any final proposal should be put to the voters – even if that vote is not binding’
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What happens next in Cambridge congestion charge saga after results?
Now that the results of the congestion charge consultation have been released, decisions will have to be made about how and if the plans are taken forward. See below for a run down of what happens next
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Discussion on Greenways over ‘conflict’
A member of the public says most conflict occurs between ‘cyclists/e-scooters and pedestrians as very few vehicles use Riverside’ , and asks for the total target figure of future volumes of cyclists, pedestrians and other users such as e-scooters on the Greenway
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What else will the GCP debate today?
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Everything you need to know about the results
The Cambridge congestion charge consultation results were published at the end of May, and 24,071 people responded to the consultation. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Cambs Local Democracy Reporter at the scene
Cambridgeshire’s Local Democracy Reporter Hannah Brown is covering the debate later. The meeting has kicked off as they discuss other items
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First debate since results came out
The Greater Cambridge Partnership will start the first debate of the Cambridge congestion charge consultation results at approximately 1.30pm