Mayor Paul Bristow launches petition over scrapping Mill Road bus gate in Cambridge
Cambridgeshire mayor Paul Bristow has launched a petition as he reaffirms his commitment to reopening Mill Road bridge in Cambridge to all traffic.
The newly-elected mayor says businesses are suffering and is calling for people to share their thoughts on the closure.
“For here, Mill Road, it’s eerily quiet. Businesses are suffering and it’s because Mill Road bridge remains closed to cars,” the Conservative mayor said, adding: “But we’re going to do something about it. The county council, they may not want to do this. It may take a bit longer, but I’ve got a plan and I’m going to reopen Mill Road bridge.”
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) was agreed last year by councillors to close the bridge to traffic except buses, pedestrians, cyclists, emergency services, taxis and Blue Badge holders’ registered vehicles.
Any unregistered vehicle crossing the bridge would be fined £70, with enforcement via Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR) cameras.
In his manifesto ahead of this month’s election, Mr Bristow said new government powers could provide a way to reopen the route.
“Under the government’s plans for devolution, the mayor will be able to designate a key route network across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, taking over control of important roads from the two councils. I will use my power of direction to get our key routes properly funded and moving, which will include reopening Mill Road bridge for normal vehicles,” his manifesto said.
The group Mill Road 4 People (MR4P) said it was unclear why Mr Bristow has launched a petition when there have been three official consultations on the matter.
“We find the mayor’s opposition to this democratic decision particularly perplexing because the people most affected by it – those who live closest to the bridge – were those with the biggest majorities in favour.
“If he wishes to help local traders and residents, supporting positive measures to improve Mill Road would be much more beneficial than bringing back thousands of vehicles a day. We would welcome the chance to meet with him to discuss our ideas for the transformation of our high street.”
Neil Mackay, on behalf of the Cambridgeshire Action Group, said the group was pleased Mr Bristow had taken time to speak with “so many of the hard pressed business owners either side of Mill Road bridge”.
He added: “The mayor clearly understands how critical those businesses are maintaining a vibrant community.
“People wishing to use Mill Road since the bridge restrictions were introduced, now find it more difficult. The long detours caused by the bridge restrictions negate the so-called benefits with longer journey times and more pollution, adding more traffic elsewhere. Those who used to frequent the shops, especially those with mobility issues, now find it harder to do so.”
Mr Bristow also attended his first meeting of the government’s Mayoral Council at Lancaster House, chaired by the deputy prime minister Angela Rayner.
Ms Rayner was clear that local leaders must be held to account as they take back control of decision making.
She stressed that with increased power and resources comes increased responsibility and expectations for all mayors to deliver real results and accelerate economic growth.
The deputy prime minister outlined the government’s continued commitment to deepening devolution and said: “We are ripping up the long-standing ‘Whitehall knows best’ rhetoric that has for too long stifled growth with a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
“That’s why we are driving forward deeper, strategic devolution, so mayors can make decisions that will actually deliver for their communities.”
To sign the petition, visit paulbristow.org.uk.