A new, short animation has been launched to show people how Peak Time Congestion Control Points (PCCPs) would be an effective way to improve journey times in and around the city centre during rush hours.
The plan is part of a combination of eight measures proposed by the Greater Cambridge City Deal partnership to help keep the city moving as they area continues to grow.
Similar to the ‘core scheme’ in the centre of Cambridge, PCCPs would limit access through certain roads at peak times to all traffic except buses, taxis, cycles and emergency vehicles from Monday to Friday.
Cameras using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) alongside the PCCPs would allow vehicles with permitted access to pass, whilst all other general traffic would need to find an alternative route, or be subject to a fine.
The roads are not closed – so people can still get to their home, work or business at all times – but it means people travelling by bus, bike or walking can take the quickest route during peak periods.
Subject to decision by the City Deal Executive Board in January, PCCPs could be trialled for an experimental period from as early as Autumn 2017 on some of the busiest roads in Cambridge during rush hour. The City Deal wants people to help to shape the details including locations, times, and exemptions.
South Cambridgeshire Councillor Francis Burkitt, Vice-Chair of the City Deal Executive Board, said: “PCCPs are a bold new way to deter high volumes of traffic using quick routes across the city during rush hour. The existing Core Scheme Access Controls have resulted in a 15% reduction in traffic and we think new PCCPs would have a similar or greater impact.
“We believe they will be a really effective way to reduce congestion in Cambridge, bringing long-term benefits for the whole area and, working with other measures, provide for much improved public transport journeys for the many thousands of commuters who travel into and out of the city each day.
“We hope this new animation will help people to visualise how they will work and help us to plan where we can use them most effectively.”
People can view the PCCPs animation via the PCCP information page on the City Deal website at www.gccitydeal.co.uk/congestion and find out more about how they could work in Cambridge.
Technical officers will also be on hand to explain PCCPs at a series of 18 public exhibitions across the city and South Cambridgeshire, as part of a wider engagement to get feedback from commuters, residents, businesses and schools from now through to October 10.
To have your say:
• Visit www.gccitydeal.co.uk/congestion and complete the survey online
• Email city.deal@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
• Search for gccitydeal on Facebook and Twitter
• Pick up a leaflet at local libraries or 330 community hubs across the area
• Go along to a public exhibition - dates and venues are listed on the website
• Book a call with a member of the project team on 01223 699906
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