Fines for drivers flouting Mill Road bridge bus gate restrictions in Cambridge will start this week
UPDATE: Introduction of Mill Road bridge bus gate fines delayed over burst water main
Motorists who fail to abide by the rules of the Mill Road bridge bus gate in Cambridge will receive fines from tomorrow (Tuesday, 11 March).
The news comes after ANPR cameras were vandalised for a second time and following an extended warning period, as part of a phased approach to the bus gate restrictions.
Cllr Neil Shailer, vice-chair of the highways and transport committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Since last year, we have been doing a phased approach to the Mill Road bridge bus gate restriction. This was to allow people time to get used to it and encourage drivers not to drive over the bridge.
“We’re now moving to the next stage, if a vehicle is not exempt, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) may be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
“If a vehicle has not applied for an exemption and receives a PCN, the registered keeper of the vehicle can make a representation using the details on the Penalty Charge Notice, and also apply for an exemption on our website.
“Nobody wants to be fining people, which is why we introduced the restriction in a measured way.”
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) that was agreed by councillors has been enforceable since December, but until the end of January drivers who are not exempt from the new restrictions were only warned, with civil parking enforcement officers monitoring use of the bridge and signs on display.
From the start of February, a further warning period came into force during which drivers of non-exempt vehicles received warning notices.
Work to install the bus gate was completed in November, but ANPR cameras were vandalised when first installed. They were vandalised again earlier this month, as fines were due to start.
The restrictions mean the bridge is closed to motor vehicles, except for buses, emergency service vehicles, taxis and Blue Badge holders’ registered vehicles, with the aim of improving the environment, air quality and safety for cyclists and pedestrians, who can continue to use it.
Blue Badge holders can register up to two vehicles for exemption via an application form on the council’s website. They will need to supply a copy of their paperwork.
More information including the exemption criteria and operational guidance document is also available online.
The restrictions were approved after a consultation found a majority of respondents were in favour of the move.
An earlier TRO was quashed on technical grounds following a challenge by protesters.
And another court challenge awaits: the Friends of Mill Road Bridge 2 group have challenged the order on four grounds, including that the council has failed to provide legally adequate reasons and failed to take into account a petition against the proposals conducted by the Mill Road Traders’ Association.
The case is scheduled to be heard on 10 June.
