Elections

2021 South Cambridgeshire District Council by-election: Melbourn

Summary: 2021 South Cambridgeshire District Council by-election
Polling date: Thursday 6th May 2021
Ward:
Candidates
(by surname):
  • Paul EVANS  (Green Party)
  • Tom GOLDIE  (Conservative Party)
  • Sally Ann HART  (Liberal Democrat)

Questions for Melbourn ward candidates (7 questions)

Jump to question:  1   2   3   4   5   6   7 

# Question 1

How would you improve the South Cambridgeshire District Council cycle parking policy? How would you bring inclusive cycle parking into the Local Plan? Also, how would you ensure that cycling parking policies are enforced in subsequent planning applications?

Paul EVANS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Tom GOLDIE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Sally Ann HART
(Liberal Democrat)

The 2018 Local Plan made a big step change in cycle parking standards and this is very welcome. I would hope that the new emerging Local Plan could see an increase in cycle parking provision for pubs and restaurants – something that I think would be embraced by patrons. Residential standards of one cycle space per bedroom should be augmented along the lines of student accommodation – i.e. one space per bed. Close attention will be necessary at local level to support the policy and I know from my experience as a parish councillor that that most local level an be the most effective of all, especially when whole communities are looking to shift their travel cultures to walking and cycling.

# Question 2

How will you ensure that development in South West Cambridge is built around active travel modes, with limited car parking and measures to stop rat-running between Madingley and Barton Roads, as well as increased congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions from motor vehicles?

Paul EVANS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Tom GOLDIE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Sally Ann HART
(Liberal Democrat)

I will listen to Councillors and residents with greater local knowledge and encourage them to share their ideas to address these issues.

# Question 3

How important is it for every rural village to have at least one safe and accessible off-road path for people walking and cycling, connecting to the growing network of such routes in the county? What action should be taken to enable everyone in the county to have access to the cycling network?

Paul EVANS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Tom GOLDIE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Sally Ann HART
(Liberal Democrat)

The dedicated cycle path in Melborn has provided a safer route for cyclists, walkers, children scooting, skaters, runners and adults with prams/buggies to exercise and reach businesses on the outskirts of the village. Its use has dramatically increased over the last 12 months and this model could be replicated across the county. It would also make sense to identify ways for the network to connect.

# Question 4

What do you think should be done to enable more children to walk and cycle safely to school? How can the county support more school communities to implement School Street schemes?

Paul EVANS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Tom GOLDIE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Sally Ann HART
(Liberal Democrat)

Our local primary school is mindful that some families find it more difficult to walk or cycle to school than others and is encouraging considerate parking by highlighting safer parking zones. Due to the road system in Melbourn, it would be tricky to close of Mortlock Steet at school drop off and pick up times, however the introduction of a 'walking bus' could be a solution.

# Question 5

Safe and responsible use of the roads is a major issue. Our view is that traffic policing, of all groups of road users (cyclists, drivers, etc.), should become a greater police priority, and that this should be evidence-based, namely based on the relative levels of danger presented by each such group. What are your thoughts, and where would your priorities be?

Paul EVANS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Tom GOLDIE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Sally Ann HART
(Liberal Democrat)

I think it would be good to get an evidence-based list that enables scarce enforcement resources to be directed to areas identified as higher risk. I also think engagement with road users could be increased via community consultation and enable road users to identify local issues and sign up to being part of a solution.

# Question 6

Transport is the largest source of UK carbon dioxide emissions (34%). Physical inactivity is responsible for one in six UK deaths. What role do you think cycling can play in tackling the urgent climate and health crises we face?

Paul EVANS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Tom GOLDIE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Sally Ann HART
(Liberal Democrat)

Providing a range of safer cycling routes will, I believe, encourage people to cycle more as there will then be more choices available.

# Question 7

What challenges do people face in your area that prevent them from cycling, especially children and those using cycling as a mobility aid? How should cycling and walking infrastructure in your area be improved so that people of all ages and abilities would feel safe cycling there?

Paul EVANS
(Green Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Tom GOLDIE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Sally Ann HART
(Liberal Democrat)

The cycle path in Melbourn has provided a much needed space for children to learn to cycle in a safer space and for people or all ages and stages of development to enjoy being able to reach the outskirts of the village to access local businesses. Looking ahead, more designated paths leading to Royston and Meldreth, will enrich this experience.

Camcycle is a non-partisan body. All candidates are given an equal opportunity to submit their views. Information published by Camcycle (Cambridge Cycling Campaign), The Bike Depot, 140 Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0DL.