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Historic decision for Mill Road as councillors vote for new bridge restriction

At a meeting of Cambridgeshire County Council Highways & Transport Committee on 7 March, councillors voted 8-7 in favour of a new modal filter for Mill Road bridge. The filter will be installed in summer 2023 with a temporary layout put in place including cameras, signs and road markings. A permanent layout will be developed in consultation with the local community. Restrictions on through-traffic will be enforced with ANPR cameras and will apply to all motor vehicles, except buses, emergency services, taxis and blue badge holders. The bridge will continue to be a through-route for people walking, cycling and wheeling.

Mill Road, outside the coop, with people walking, sitting, pushing children in buggies
Camcycle spoke in favour of the scheme at the meeting and called for the committee to approve the Traffic Regulation Order which would see it implemented. This is our statement following the vote for approval:

Camcycle welcomes the decision made by councillors today and the balanced and polite debate on a sustainable future for Mill Road. In December 2021, members of all parties agreed to expedite the public consultation and to review the issue of Mill Road in a timely manner. In July 2022, there was unanimous approval to proceed to the TRO stage. That TRO has now been formally approved and a new scheme will be implemented this summer.

The community has been extremely helpful and patient as officers have worked hard to hold a comprehensive consultation and develop an improved scheme. There has been useful feedback and challenges from both sides. As was made clear during the meeting, this is just the beginning: the scheme will be reviewed and amended as needed in the coming months and years. It is also essential that the necessary funds are secured for improvements to the streetscape and that policies are put in place to ensure traders are supported through the transition.

Camcycle is grateful to the many people who have spoken in support of safer streets, cleaner air and a thriving community for Mill Road, often in the face of hostile discussion. We call on all who love this place to move forward in a positive and inclusive way to create a street that benefits everyone.