Cambridge congestion charge plans face big battle

The majority of respondents to a survey on congestion charging in Greater Cambridge have rejected the idea, the Cambridge Independent can reveal.

Instead, there was a preference for better bus services and improved cycling routes.

The poll, which was run by South Cambridgeshire MP Anthony Browne over a two-week period, found 64 per cent of 1,806 respondents would not support a congestion charge in Cambridge.

It indicates the challenge the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) might have in persuading communities – particularly those surrounding the city – to support the idea.

But critics said the issue was “more complex than a simple yes or no”. And Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians called on the Conservative MP to encourage people to take part in the official, ongoing GCP consultation rather than conducting “straw polls”.

Mr Browne said: “Plans for congestion charging have the best of intentions, but given the clear majority opposed, the unfairness to key workers on low incomes, and the inherent problems in implementation, I cannot support such a scheme at this time.”

He called for public transport improvements to be implemented before a congestion charge is even considered.

Mr Browne also hit out at the “absurdity” of having so many transport authorities in the county, with the GCP, the Combined Authority and Cambridgeshire County Council all offering solutions to the problem.

The GCP’s Making Connections consultation asks for views on proposals to enhance bus and active travel journeys dramatically. Its plans for a future bus network aim to deliver fast, frequent and reliable services to connect people with jobs, education and leisure opportunities.

This could mean cheaper bus services every few minutes in Cambridge, every 10 minutes from larger towns and villages, and new hourly services for people living in rural areas, opening up opportunities for people.

Residents are also being asked to consider road charging options to fund the improved public transport network in the future, including a flexible charge, a pollution charge or a parking charge.

Cllr Elisa Meschini, chair of the GCP executive board and Labour deputy leader of the county council, said: “It is widely accepted that the issue is more complex than a simple yes or no over a congestion charge.

“Greater Cambridge faces a significant challenge to keep people moving while cutting congestion and pollution. We are proposing to transform the bus network to provide more services, longer running hours, with cheaper fares, providing sustainable travel choices and far greater access to opportunities for everyone.

“A vastly improved and expanded public transport system – which aligns with the government’s Bus Back Better strategy – will need money to run in the long term. We outline the potential options to raise funds to support this in our consultation and have been clear that public transport improvements would be brought in before any charge.”

In the MP’s survey, 64 per cent said they would not support a congestion charge in Cambridge, while 22 per cent said they would and 14 per cent were unsure.

Asked how much they felt a daily congestion charge in Cambridge should be, the majority – 65 per cent – said nothing, with 19 per cent accepting £5 as a suitable fee.

Nine per cent opted for £10, three per cent for £15 and another three per cent said £20. One per cent of respondents said a fee of £25 or over should be charged.

Of those who selected ‘yes’ to a congestion charge, a city centre-only charge came out as favourite (29 per cent), followed jointly by an area wide charge and charges at peak times (both 21 per cent), charges only for most polluting vehicles (15 per cent) and charges only on weekdays (14 per cent).

Respondents were also given the opportunity to show support for other measures.

Some 44 per cent said they ‘definitely’ supported more buses on existing routes (and 33 per cent stating they ‘probably’ supported this) and 42 per cent ‘definitely’ supported improved cycling infrastructure (with 23 per cent probably). The optimisation of existing infrastructure was popular, with 40 per cent of respondents ‘definitely’ supporting this alternative.

The least popular options were charges for workplace parking, with 39 per cent saying they would ‘definitely not’ support this measure and 39 per cent responding that they would ‘definitely not’ back new off-road busways.

Mr Browne said: “I was concerned this would split our community in two, between the well-off or those living inside the zone and poorer commuters living around the city who have no choice but to drive in. Given the three to one ratio opposed to charges, the GCP should listen, look to alternatives, and introduce much improved, far cheaper public transport before even considering a congestion charge.”

Cllr Tim Bick, chair of the GCP joint assembly and leader of the Lib Dems on Cambridge City Council, said: “Surprise, surprise that Anthony Browne’s private survey supports his own views! Everyone’s views are welcome but it would be much more helpful if he encouraged his supporters to participate in the GCP’s actual consultation process, where people can read for themselves what is actually proposed.”

The new Labour leader of Cambridge City Council, Cllr Anna Smith, added: “What matters more than straw polls is the official public consultation under way, and everybody having their say on that.

“Cambridge so badly needs cleaner air, better buses and fewer cars, with a system that’s accessible for all, including those with disabilities.”

Comment on the official consultation by December 20 at greatercambridge.org.uk.

Read more:

Why I welcome congestion charging for Cambridge

Cambridge congestion charge of £15 a day mooted