More than 1300 people have already had their say on City Deal plans to ease gridlock and improve bus, cycle and walking trips in and around the city.
The eight-point plan aims to support the area’s growing population and jobs market by reducing harmful levels of traffic and encouraging more people to ditch the car for greener modes of transport.
It’s been a month since the plan was launched and there’s been no shortage of suggestions for how extra money could be spent.
These include:
- Bus travel - New and more frequent city bus services from South Cambridgeshire, extended operating hours at Park & Rides and alternative fare structures for bus and rail travel.
- Cycling - More off-road routes to the city and better cycling facilities in the workplace such as parking, showers, safety equipment and even free breakfast.
- Technology - More smart traffic signals and the introduction of an ‘Oyster card’ style contactless payment for public transport.
The growing list of ideas – many already identified as part of the long-term transport strategy for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire – could be funded or brought forward as part of the City Deal plan to tackle congestion.
Councillor Lewis Herbert, Chair of the City Deal’s Executive Board, said he and others had been encouraged by the response so far and all the issues and ideas would be taken into account.
“We are only into our first few weeks of talking to people about the proposed measures and already there are some powerful cases being put forward for us to consider,” he said.
“Employers, quite rightly, want to know much more about the proposed Workplace Parking Levy, what it might mean for them and their staff, and the overall effect and benefits of the package as a whole.
“Residents and workers are concerned about the personal impact of Peak-Time Congestion Control Points and we’re listening closely to groups who feel they may have a special case – such as residents who need to travel out of the city, blue badge holders, carers, motorcyclists and tradesmen.
“While there will be further opportunities for consultation, it’s clear the majority of people want decisive action and all of this feedback will help us to prioritise and shape the detail.”
The package of measures to tackle peak-time congestion was agreed in principle by the City Deal’s Executive Board in July, having won the backing of the majority of the Joint Assembly advisory group.
It includes proposals for better public transport, cycling and walking trips and improved air quality and public spaces through the introduction of traffic management measures during rush hour, a levy on commuter parking for big employers, expansion of residents-only parking zones, a travel planning service and greater use of technology.
No decisions will be made until January 2017 and the plan, if agreed, would be introduced in phases over a number of years.
People can have their say by picking up a leaflet at more than 300 public venues across the city, South Cambridgeshire and beyond, at a series of planned public events or online.
Board members and officers continue to meet with employers and business representatives with more opportunities available.
Wider promotion is planned from September through to the closing date of October 10.
For more information and to have your say visit www.gccitydeal.co.uk/congestion or e-mail [email protected]
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For further information and interview requests please contact Joanna Harrall
[email protected]