Introduction of Mill Road bridge bus gate fines delayed over burst water main

The introduction of fines on Mill Road bridge in Cambridge has been held up - by a burst water main.

Fines were due to come in tomorrow (Tuesday, 11 March) following an extended warning period, as part of a phased approach to the bus gate restrictions.

But six hours after the date was announced, the county council said enforcement would be suspended until work to repair the water main is complete.

A statement released by Cambridgeshire County Council this afternoon (Monday) said: “We’ve been alerted by a utility company that there is a burst water main on Mill Road. The diversion route they require will send traffic over Mill Road bridge.

“Therefore, they have asked us to disable the cameras until their work is complete. They expect the work to be finished on Wednesday (12 March).

“Considering this information, enforcement of the Mill Road bridge bus gate will be suspended, and no fines will be issued, until this work is complete.”

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.