Elections

Cambridge City Council elections, May 2022: Trumpington

Summary: Elections to Cambridge City Council, May 2022
Polling date: Thursday 5th May 2022
Ward:
Candidates
(by surname):
  • Ceri GALLOWAY  (Green Party)
  • Olaf HAUK  (Liberal Democrat)
  • Shapour MEFTAH  (Conservative Party)
  • Carlos TORANZOS  (Labour Party)

Questions for Trumpington ward candidates (7 questions)

Jump to question:  1   2   3   4   5   6   7 

# Question 1

Residents and visitors to Trumpington Ward have long been targets for cycle theft. This is a particular issue in new developments where cycle parking infrastructure has been easily breached by thieves. How do you propose cycle theft could be reduced in this ward?

Ceri GALLOWAY
(Green Party)

In Trumpington the pattern of theft is slightly different from the centre of Cambridge. In the residential developments theft is taking place from locked areas within the flats and individual housing. It seems that the systems put in by the developers for locking the storage areas were not secure enough.
We also have thieves who come here on old bikes and cycle around until they find a bike that is not locked securely, leaving their old bike and taking the better quality bike.
Finally, many of the new bike racks in Trumpington are only bolted to the concrete which makes it easier for the thieves to unbolt and remove and lift bike off.
In order to reduce cycle theft in Trumpington
A. Developers must take cycle theft more seriously and introduce better locking systems for the residential new builds. As most of the properties have now been built it is important that the developers look at this and assist residents by supplying secure locking systems.
B. Within the older areas of the village the cycle theft is similar to other residential areas in the town.
C. It would help if the police and local authorities increased information to new cyclists to raise awareness on which sort of locks to use and where to lock securely to reduce opportunistic theft remind other cyclists of the importance of locking up carefully. Having lived in London for 18 years I suffered a number of thefts. So, on moving in 2003 to Trumpington I continued to triple lock my bike, if leaving for any length of time. And locked up with at least one lock if stopping for short period. When there was a spate of opportunistic thefts, in the area around the Foster Road allotments the committee encouraged residents to report cycle theft to the police and get a crime number in doing so helping the police can build up a picture of the thefts in order to pursue the thieves. It helps to start a neighbourhood watch. to support each other by observing any unusual behaviour that could lead to theft and recording crime numbers. While it shouldn’t be essential to have to lock up when working on your allotment bile theft is frustrating and expensive so we have used the allotment newsletter to raise awareness about the need to secure their bikes when during a spate of drop and grab better bike theft.
D. More publicity for the Facebook page, stolen Bikes in Cambridge. This group has helped many get their bikes back and, in some cases, helped in gaining successful prosecutions of the thieves.
E. Finally, all bike racks must be fixed to the ground in a manner that makes it impossible for thieves to unbolt them. If they have been fitted by the developers, they must be made responsible for securing them properly and those by the council similarly.

Olaf HAUK
(Liberal Democrat)

Cambridge is the cycle theft capital of the UK. Unfortunately, this is painfully felt around Trumpington where many cycle thefts appear to have been committed by organised gangs, who exploit insufficiently secured communal bike shelters. We have to hold the developers to account and push them to fix any deficiencies, and to learn from their mistakes in the future. In addition, we have actively supported CamCycle’s “Lock it & log it” campaign, regularly informing residents about the importance of registering their bikes at our street stalls or by distributing leaflets.

Shapour MEFTAH
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Carlos TORANZOS
(Labour Party)

This is a very important issue. Cambridge in general has had a big share of cycle thieving. I think we could reduce theft by implementing more CCTv cameras around the targeted areas. Also using modern technology and making it available to bicycle owners, tagging them with traceable devices, as they are using in Holland and France.

# Question 2

There have now been two deaths of people alongside the southern Busway. What do you think should be done to make the Busway path safe for all users?

Ceri GALLOWAY
(Green Party)

Since the guided busway was built from Trumpington Park and ride to the railway stations there have been a number of injuries, near misses as well as deaths. Once built the busway access road became a cycle path immediately for its direct route into town and station and was enthusiastically enjoyed by cyclists, pedestrians and walkers.
However, it was never meant to be used in this manner and is not wide enough. Early on the two bus accidents at the traffic lights near the Trumpington Community Orchard demonstrated how vulnerable cyclists and pedestrians were due to the lack of barriers between the access road and the busway. In the early years the width of the path was suitable for the number of users the increase in new residents to the area and use by employees at Addenbrooke's Hospital. the biomedical campus, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Assessment has meant there is a conflict of users at busy times and the width of the road is no longer appropriate for the level of use.
Currently the users are varied, walkers, runners, cyclists, including family and delivery cargo bikes and scooters as well as groups of walkers, cycling enthusiasts, parents bringing school children to new schools from homes further north of Trumpington and 6th form students at Long Road.
During this period there has also been a steady increase in popularity of cycling and there are many more vulnerable cyclists and many people enthusiastically use this route.
For many years residents have been talking about the danger of accidents due to the lack of a barrier between the busway and access road and the county council has been unwilling or unsure how to separate users from the busway. The main argument being that it was difficult to provide a barrier and allow bus passengers to leave the bus, if there was an accident.
I have often also observed people standing or sitting on the raised areas between the busway and the access road and also close to Long Road bridge people crossing at the blind area of the bridge to climb up the incline to long Road rather than walk around to get to the road. I have campaigned with local council to have a barrier there and steps up to the road for able users for number of years.
These two deaths would have been preventable have there been a barrier. The first death was due to congestion on the track and the second one was close to the area in need of barrier to stop people crossing. To act on this:
A. We must find out the results of the research currently being carried out by County Council to understand the potential solutions in relation to a barrier, which must also be not too unsightly. Currently the temporary barrier is quite claustrophobic and makes it obvious that people have quite a small area to manoeuvre within.
B. We also need to widen the track to produce a Dutch style solution with separate track for cyclists and pedestrians with a grass verge between each pathway to make it obvious which side is for each user type. There is enough land to do this along the track. At the Cambridge Assessment this would require taking back some land. Cambridge Assessment is a pinch point and it would be useful if their employees took the alternative route to site via Clarendon Road to reduce congestion at peak points.
C. We need to make it clear to companies offering food delivery by electric bike that cyclists must pedal on the pathway, stay within the speed restrictions and be courteous to other users. The council must put up notices to this effect and police enforce the law so that electric delivery cyclists do not go over the speed limit. Restricting electric bikes where users do not need to pedal. There are an increasing amount of non-pedalling cyclist moving at speeds greater than the average cyclist as well as being risk to more vulnerable cyclist on this route.

Olaf HAUK
(Liberal Democrat)

We should wait for the outcome of ongoing investigations into those deaths and the safety of the busway. I regularly use the cycle path along the southern Guided Busway myself. I’ve spoken to a number of residents who think a clear separation between the cycle way and the bus lane will be required (e.g. in the form of a fence or a hedge). We have to see whether a speed limit on the busway will suffice to make it as safe as other roads, without the need to take space of the cycle path. The decision will not be made at the City Council, but I will talk to residents and my colleagues at the County Council and others to contribute to the solution. With respect to reports about anti-social behaviour along the busway, as well as dangerous behaviour by e-scooters, we arranged a site visit with police officers to discuss street lighting and CCTV. We cannot promise a quick fix but we are looking into practical and affordable options. We are also campaigning to make Hobson Square the vibrant centre of the local community that it should be, which would hopefully also reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

Shapour MEFTAH
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Carlos TORANZOS
(Labour Party)

Safety is one of the most important aspects of cycling. We have to make sure riders are visible and they do not exceed speeds in areas where it is not safe to go above 15 miles p/h. Clear sign posting around dangerous spots on the path, just before the small tunnel for example, or crossing pelican lights. Safety is a two way road, we also have to make sure that everybody is aware that cycling is not a free risk travel. We have to implement highway code for cyclists as well as making drivers more aware of bike users.

# Question 3

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Road Safety Partnership (now the Vision Zero Partnership) aimed to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries to cyclists by 40% between 2015 and 2020, but it actually rose 2% during that time. Too many people are being hurt on our roads.

What do you think would most improve safety for people walking, cycling, using mobility aids and riding horses on the roads in your area? Which routes and junctions need the most urgent improvement?

Ceri GALLOWAY
(Green Party)

Green Party Policy is to increase use of active transport, buses, trains, cycling and walking. While doing that our aims are to prioritise the most vulnerable users of our streets, children and older and disabled people as well as supporting more healthy adults to cycle too.
To reduce deaths of cyclists on the road we need to make cycling safe:
A. To develop a co-ordinated travel strategy, spanning active travel provision, invest city and county wide (and ultimately Nationally) to develop Dutch style cycle network with separate off road segregated cycling and walking environment urgently. Local Authorities must use the money they have to wisely target and to actively prioritise remedies to danger points for cyclists. As also preparing projects so that then they lobby for more money from Government for cycle use they can act urgently when they have large grants become available. In preparing project they involve local people in decision making. There is no point in making changes that do not work for people.
B. In order to make the roads safer for cyclists, we need to reduce car traffic by encouraging active travel and change the way goods are brought in the city by lorry so the vehicles come at times when fewer cyclists are on the roads. One way of helping to manage daytime deliveries is to promote hubs for cycle delivery around the city so that goods can be taken into the city as frequently as possible by cycle courier.
C. Many people drive because they find cycling very frightening and feel in danger from motor vehicles, so it plans that will reduce fear and conflict are central to increased use of cycles.
D. Women are unwilling to lone travel at night as they feel it is dangerous. We must actively consult and work with women to meet their needs for safe cycling at night.
E. We need to support parents to become more active cyclists with and for their children and this means exploring way to manage their household needs for shopping and safety of their children
F. To promote and support training of safe cycling for all adults and children esp. none drivers who are unfamiliar with the rules of the road and also lorry drivers. This could mean asking some cyclists to cycle more safely in relation to other more vulnerable users. We welcome the new rules prioritising cyclists on the road however it would be also be helpful for cyclists to become aware of situations where drivers may not be aware of them.
G. We need to reduce residential environments to 20MPH esp. Trumpington High Street requires a segregated off-road cycle path and poss., one-way traffic with raised pedestrian crossings to reunite the village.
H. I am in favour of a Workplace Parking Levy or congestion charge (if fairly implemented) in Cambridge as a part of a package of measures to increase public transport use and cycling.
I. As a councillor I would base decisions on which routes and junctions to prioritise on actual data as well as local knowledge.
J. Segregated active travel routes (NOT white lines painted on already narrow roads); lower speed limits; improvements to junctions that favour cyclists and pedestrians rather than maximise car capacity.
K. Well worked out active travel routes to school by walking and cycling.

Olaf HAUK
(Liberal Democrat)

I am a keen cyclist (and don’t own a car) and I put my life into the hands of the Cambridge cycling and walking infrastructure every day. The problems raised in this question clearly need a multi-agency approach way beyond the power of a single City Councillor. I will do whatever is in my power as a ward councillor for Trumpington to make active travel as easy, convenient and safe as possible. Our traffic infrastructure, in particular for cycling and walking, is a regular item on the agenda of local resident association and area committee meetings.
The goals of Vision Zero clearly need more effective policy interventions if they are going to be achieved. Liberal Democrats in Cambridge brought in the existing 20mph speed limits in many parts of the city in 2014 and support current moves through the county council to expand these further in conjunction with communities. An integral part of any improvements for active travel is a reduction in car traffic. Within the city, we believe the GCP’s ‘Making Connections’ goals of reducing the number of car journeys will support the Vision Zero. We would like to see provision wherever feasible segregated between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles and that government guidance known as LTN/120 is embraced in the design of new infrastructure. In Trumpington, we need to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians along the main routes to the station and city centre, i.e. the Guided Busway and cycle paths along High Street and Trumpington Road between the P&R and the City Centre, and introduce a 20mph speed limit in all residential areas including the new developments.

Shapour MEFTAH
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Carlos TORANZOS
(Labour Party)

We must make sure that people pedestrians and cyclists and of course horses are visible. If the majority of accidents are in daylight it means that we are not really doing enough to educate in safety driving and safety riding. Nor are we concern about the use of helmets. We have to encourage riders to wear helmets when riding on public roads. Junctions have to have a new safe design. reducing speed to 10 miles from about 300 yards of the junction. We have to treat road safety as a health issue.

# Question 4

Cambridgeshire County Council’s draft Active Travel Strategy says that our region’s transport network must put public health at its core. It points out that almost a third of 10 and 11 year olds in Cambridgeshire are obese and rates of cycling and walking are lowest among the over 40s.

What role do you think cycling can play in improving local residents’ health and wellbeing? What specific changes are needed to help the youngest and oldest residents in your area choose active modes, including walking, for more journeys?

Ceri GALLOWAY
(Green Party)

Cycling is proven strategy for health and well-being however it must be easier for vulnerable groups to cycle safely and park easily and promote obvious strategies to encourage people to start to cycle at young age so that it becomes the norm to use of cycles throughout life time. We know that many more people cycle in Cambridge due to the culture of bike use during student years and because it is flat but there are solutions for older and less fit users such as electric bike and for others for longer journeys fin hillier areas. Most journeys are less than 2 miles and many could be taken by bike. However, many people feel that cycling is unsafe due to the poor provision of cycle ways and we need to create a comprehensive network in the towns and cities urgently.
A. To change the low rates of cycling in the 11–40-year-olds requires long term policies at national and local level. It is important to have safe routes to school and policies that encourage cycling to school so that people start of cycling at an early age. However, parents need to know that children can cycle to their destination safely before they will allow them to cycle to school or leisure activities or before wanting to do it themselves. At present learning to drive at 18 is seen as a rite of passage and this may need to change and for being cyclist becomes cool.
B. Carbon reduction and safe roads and reduction in pollution for health lifestyle can only be reduced by change in culture of car use to create healthier environment for all users.
C. Issues that stop people using active transport can also be due to range of social problems. The cost of bike, regular maintenance and effective lights for poorer families is strain on their budget.
D. Many people travel to work by car from outside town because they need to get to work or use during work. These groups are not able to choose active travel because their work is long way from their home. This particular affects people on low incomes who often have to live outside Cambridge. So, we need adequate housing at affordable prices close to work place so people can cycle to work.
E. We also require employers to think about car sharing for work trips. In Willesden General hospital and Kings Lynn Queen Elizabeth Hospital when I worked there, we had fleet for cars for home visits and in Willesden Bike loans for cycling to appointments. Local authorities could take a lead with their own staff on this.
F. Cycles can be particularly useful for some people with mobility difficulties, which maybe counter intuitive for abled bodied people so we need disabled cyclists on the advisory bodies in council decision making positions.
G. The lack of lifts at the Station Cycle Parking is a real problem with disabled and older cyclists as the downstairs parking facilities become full quicky on a first come first served basis. We could possibly have pass for parking on ground floor but also a lift makes the cycle parking facilities open to all users.
H. Cycling to work and leisure purposes is a cheap method of exercise and while travelling to your destination you are also staying fit.
I. Over the last 5 years I have noticed an increase in older people cycling in Cambridge. However, as an older person with a physical disability I find parking can be problem in and feel the wider spacing between cycle stands would be useful and a reminder to other users about these spaces may be prioritised for people with disabilities, 3 wheeled cycles which help with balance and cargo bikes for parents and shoppers to encourage more people to cycle.

Olaf HAUK
(Liberal Democrat)

I notice the health benefits of cycling myself often enough – a few weeks without cycling shows up on my scales, and I notice it in my mental well-being as well. The key issue seems to be that many residents, especially the elderly and parents with young kids, don’t think it is safe to cycle or walk. We support the GCP’s investment in cycling provision, both through schemes dedicated mainly to cycling (Chisholm Trail, cross city cycling schemes, Greenways and future Cycling Plus) and through the incorporation of more generous and dedicated cycling provision in wider projects such as Milton and Histon Roads and the future radial busway projects. We are proud that much of the funding for these developments has come from the City Deal, negotiated from central government by the city council when under Lib Dem control. Contingent on local consultation, we also support many of the low traffic neighbourhood schemes across the city, which provide the calmer street environment which is more conducive to starting to cycle from home. More of these may become possible if policy is adopted across the whole city to discourage car journeys. We are actively campaigning for a 20mph speed limit in all residential areas, including Trumpington’s new developments. In planning we want to see new developments designed around low usage of motor vehicles and incorporation of domestic provision for cycles as a norm. In Trumpington, we need to improve the safety for cyclists and pedestrians along the Guided Busway – a vital route between Trumpington and other wards to the station and city centre - where we regularly receive reports of anti-social behaviour.

Shapour MEFTAH
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Carlos TORANZOS
(Labour Party)

We have already started by making sure that speed is reduces near schools. this is not enough but again we have to encourage schools to start maybe half an hour later so as to distance the rush hour from school times. This will of course demand planing but it is not impossible. maybe escalating the start of schools and the end of the day. Providing students after school activities such as team games. Making sure schools become the place where healthy eating starts. Less meat more vegetables, less sugar more water.

# Question 5

In June 2021, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority agreed to act on the Independent Commission on Climate’s recommendation to reduce car miles driven in the region by 15% by 2030.

Suggested actions needed to achieve this goal include installing safe cycle routes from new developments, working with employers to increase uptake in sustainable options for commuting, improving existing cycle infrastructure and encouraging the use of e-bikes. What changes do you think are needed to help people in your area reduce car mileage?

Ceri GALLOWAY
(Green Party)

Improving existing cycle infrastructure and encouraging the use of e-bikes and cycle better parking.

Olaf HAUK
(Liberal Democrat)

All these suggestions are important. Traffic congestion is not just bad for our well-being and the environment – it is also bad for business if employees arrive late and stressed at work. A reduction in car traffic and an improvement of active travel infrastructure will benefit everyone, including those who don’t have a choice and will have to use their cars.
Ultimately, any improvements for cyclists and pedestrians will need support for the bigger picture of reducing car traffic and transforming public transport, which is only feasible both through funding for a bigger bus network operating over longer hours, with more frequency and more inclusive ticket pricing and measures to reduce the current congestion which prevents their efficiency. This is the agenda which the GCP’s ‘Making Connections’ is working on, which we support.
Specifically in Trumpington, we regularly receive complaints about bike thefts, which often occur in communal bike shelters and seem to be committed by organised gangs. This particularly affects those with expensive bikes, such as e-bikes, and may deter some residents from purchasing or maintaining a bike in the first place. Pushing developers to install secure bike storing facilities and informing residents about the importance to register and securely lock their bikes is key.

Shapour MEFTAH
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Carlos TORANZOS
(Labour Party)

Public transport has to be one answer. School buses that collect pupils from near their homes and take them safely to school. Improve conditions at work say providing changing rooms and shower facilities so people can happily use their bikes to work. e-bikes is an alternative but we have to make sure we impose speed restrictions in specific areas. 25 miles an hour is to fast.

# Question 6

National charity Cycling UK's manifesto for English elections includes the following asks:

1: Create safe space for cycling: put the delivery of a connected network of routes at the heart of transport and development plans;

2: Improve delivery: ensure schemes meet the government’s cycle design standards laid out in LTN 1/20 and the Gear Change policy;

3: Make neighbourhoods more attractive for cycling & people: for example, by making 20mph the default for residential and shopping streets, and increasing secure cycle parking;

4: Enable rural & urban communities to cycle: integrate cycling and walking with public transport, make cycle training available for all and improve access to local green space.

Will you support this manifesto? What policies would you champion in your area to increase levels of walking and cycling?

Ceri GALLOWAY
(Green Party)

.I would support this manifesto whole heartedly and work towards implementing this.
Number 4 would be my overall aim with setting standards number 2. However, I would have all the aims in Manifesto in mind.

Olaf HAUK
(Liberal Democrat)

This is full in line with my answers to your previous questions and I will use it as a good checklist for future policy development. In particular, we are actively campaigning to introduce a 20mph speed limit in all residential areas, including the new developments in Trumpington.

Shapour MEFTAH
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Carlos TORANZOS
(Labour Party)

We have to learn to live differently. walking and cycling has to be the way to integrate cities and countryside. half way events should be encourage. I think Pedestrian and cyclists days should be the norm, no cars during 2 week ends every two months. New approach to driving and breaking the dependency on cars, by regulating days of the month when only certain cars can be seen, could be organised by the numbers on the registration and limit the use on certain days.

# Question 7

What is your personal experience of walking and cycling in your area? What barriers do you think local people face that may prevent them from choosing active travel for everyday journeys?

Ceri GALLOWAY
(Green Party)

I mainly, cycle most distances, due to my disability I find walking more troubling than cycling. In Trumpington the main problems that I encounter are times when the cycle path are too busy to navigate safely.
We have a very good network of cycle paths in Trumpington though some routes are not direct and require cycling longer distance through residential areas to remain off road which is my preference.
We have poor bus services for older and disabled people who are not able to cycle the easiest way to get around the village and into town is by bike. I am lucky to be a short walk from the guided busway stop if I need to get a bus for long distance travel by train or coach. However, many people still have to walk a long way to catch a bus and our roads have many pot holes and the paths are not easy to navigate with a suitcase or buggy. For some people this is barrier to participating in active transport. We don’t have reliable service either as the traffic jams on Trumpington High Street mean that short journeys can take much longer than needed. A local gave themselves 1.5 hours to get to the train station by bus from the high street and missed the train due to bus cancellation and congestion. This should be 15 to 20 min journey. We need to look at how to make this better to get people to used active transport. So many people going to the station get family to drive them to the station, this requires two 2.2-mile journeys as the family member has to get home again.
We have few local shops and the new shops in the development are too expensive for small companies to rent. Trumpington was turned down by a butcher due to cost and due to the way, the housing has not been structured to allow a restaurant on site cooked needs to brought to the site favouring take away food. We could do with a charity shop which is good for recycling. We don’t have a butcher where you can buy small quantities of meat. Having a range of local shops entice people to use their feet and cycles over car.

Olaf HAUK
(Liberal Democrat)

I cycle across town almost every day, often multiple times, either to get to work during the week or to visit the market, friends etc. during the weekend. I don’t own a car. It is in my own interest to make Cambridge’s and Trumpington’s active travel infrastructure as convenient and safe as possible. In my role as City Councillor I will do what I can to achieve this. I don't own a car because I don't need one and Cambridge is a great place to explore by bike – in principle. I have witnessed a number of near-death experiences and experienced a fair share of them myself. The first thing cyclists and pedestrians need to be safe is to have a clear segregation of cycle and foot paths from the roads. All too often do I see cars moving into or blocking cycle lanes, which is probably one of the main reasons why less confident cyclists and parents with their children are often too afraid to cycle along busy roads. This is the case on busy road such as Trumpington Road, but also in some smaller streets in the new developments and in the north of Trumpington where drivers are often in a rush, for example during the school run. At the same time, we have to address the problem that cycle lanes and pavements are often used by e-scooters which can be perceived as threatening by cyclists and pedestrians. Clearer lane segregation would also help car drivers to predict cyclists' behaviour and pay attention to cyclists in places where it matters the most. A general reduction in car traffic and better active travel infrastructure would benefit everyone, including those who will still depend on using their cars.

Shapour MEFTAH
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Carlos TORANZOS
(Labour Party)

I do not have a car, I think that give me a better view of how difficult is to go from a to b, but I have learnt that going from a to be could be done by going to c and walking. Shopping centres should organise free buses from villages thus encouraging people to travel on public transport and not using their cars. We must make sure public transport is really environmentally friendly, good by petrol and diesel. Public transport should be all electric

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.