Vandals target Mill Road bridge cameras again with fines due to begin

Vandals have struck again on Cambridge’s Mill Road bridge and damaged the ANPR cameras – just as fines were set to hit drivers.

The county council said the cameras will be repaired and fines for those breaching the new rules on the bridge will come into effect this month, but it stopped short of confirming a date.

The spray paint attack has fuelled the ongoing debate over the Mill Road bridge bus gate, with the issue set to be a hot topic in May’s local elections.

Supporters of the restrictions argue that Mill Road has been a more safe and pleasant environment since its introduction.

Meanwhile, opponents say the bus gate – which prevents most motor vehicles from crossing the bridge – is harming local businesses and pushing traffic onto surrounding roads.

The Cambridgeshire Action Group, which said it does not condone any vandalism, organised a picket on Saturday (1 March) with protesters accusing the council of ignoring the electorate.

“The consequences of this decision are clear: increased congestion on alternative routes, longer journey times, a growing sense of frustration among those who live and work in the area and struggling businesses.

“The council’s unwillingness to engage constructively with local concerns has eroded trust and demonstrated a lack of accountability to the people they serve,” a spokesperson told the Cambridge Independent.

However, Mill Road for People (MR4P) welcomed the impending introduction of fines, but called for further improvements once they are in place.

MR4P chair Paul Lythgoe said: “At first glance the street may look empty but look again and you will almost always see large numbers of pedestrians and cyclists.

“Numerous studies have shown that they spend more in local shops than drivers. As has been demonstrated in many cities all over the world, the best way to promote local businesses is to make an area pleasant and attractive to shoppers rather than clogged with traffic.”

Parent Thomas Preud’homme added: “I’ve started using Mill Road with my son, which I always avoided before.”

A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) that was agreed by councillors following consultations 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.

Official warning notices were issued throughout February, with the council stating fines would be introduced in March.

In response to paint being sprayed on the cameras, a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council said: “We’re aware of the damage to the cameras. This has been reported to police. They will be repaired.

“Fines will come into effect this month and more information will be announced shortly.”

The cameras were also vandalised when first installed, when wires were cut.

The Cambridgeshire Action Group said it was “deeply disappointed” over the council’s “continued refusal to listen to the overwhelming concerns of local residents and businesses”.

“Despite clear opposition from residents, businesses and local groups, the council has ignored the electorate’s voice, pressing ahead with a closure that has disrupted daily life, damaged trade, and made travel more difficult for those who depend on this vital route. Instead of meaningful consultation, the council has pursued an agenda that fails to balance the needs of all road users, prioritising ideology over practical solutions,” the spokesperson said.

Yet MR4P says it has received many messages of support from residents relieved that something has been done to reduce traffic on Mill Road.

It argues that another immediate advantage of the bus gate has been that the number 2 bus service now runs to schedule.

Richard Wood, from the Cambridge Bus Users Association, explained: “The bus gate has markedly improved bus journey times along Mill Road. In September 2024, an online tracker showed buses often losing 10 minutess against scheduled times, bringing average speeds down to under 5mph. Analysis in early February showed buses keeping to timetable and even gaining one to two minutes along Mill Road.”

However, the group admits that more work is needed in Petersfield to enable residents to enjoy the same reduction in traffic and congestion as Romsey residents.

“We continue to press our politicians on finding ways to implement more suitable access to and from the railway station and reducing motor traffic using streets such as Tenison Road to cut through to the south of the city.

“In addition, we hope to see progress on the improvements in the ‘quality of place’ that 83 per cent of respondents said they wanted in the 2022 consultation.”

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.