Light rail link will mean no need for Cambridge South station car park says mayor Palmer

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said he would be 'very supportive' of regional light rail plans.

Residents living near the potential site of a Cambridge South railway station have been reassured that parked cars will not become an issue in nearby streets.

The proposed station, which was given support by transport secretary Chris Grayling during a visit to the city, will not have a car park.

But the region’s mayor, James Palmer, has said the station’s proposed links to a light railway network – a plan that also has support from Mr Grayling – would mean a car park would not be necessary.

He added that a few spaces should be considered and residents should have the chance to have a say about plans for the station.

The plan not to have a car park was reported by the Cambridge Independent in November last year but concern has grown.

At the recent opening of Cambridge North station, Mr Grayling said: “If Cambridge is going to grow in the way that we all believe it needs to – it’s become a really important economic and innovation hub for the UK – then it’s going to need modern infrastructure, so I think the case for Cambridge South station is strong.”

Following the transport secretary’s opening of the station he joined mayor Palmer to visit the proposed site of Cambridge South station. The mayor said a limited amount of parking at Cambridge South, which could open in 2022, should not be ruled out.

Mayor Palmer said: “During his visit to the proposed site earlier this month the secretary of state could see for himself the huge growth potential of the area. Together we are able to discuss the site and what’s needed with Andy Williams from AstraZeneca.

“The secretary of state was supportive of what is being proposed and I am confident that if we keep making the case then the Government can play a role in helping turn the station into a reality.”

“Clearly it’s early days and no doubt there will be a number of rounds of public consultation before plans are firmed up. There will be opportunities for members of the public to make clear their views regarding the need for the proposed station to have a car park.

“I appreciate that nearby residents may have concerns about what not having parking facilities may mean for their residential roads. It’s important that their views are taken on board during the consultation process,” he said.

“My own view is that at this stage a limited amount of car parking should not be ruled out. However, with the rail improvements planned and the possibility of Addenbrooke’s being connected to a light rail system, I would hope that the vast majority wouldn’t feel the need to use a car.”

At the station launch, Mr Grayling also gave his support to a regional light railway. He said: “It’s one of those concepts being driven by a great new mayor that I think has really interesting potential. It’s one of the innovative things that we are expecting to come from the new generation of mayors.

“I haven’t seen how the plans will take shape yet but will be very supportive of him as he develops that concept.”