Elections

Huntingdonshire District Council elections, May 2022: Fenstanton

Summary: Elections to Huntingdonshire District Council, May 2022
Polling date: Thursday 5th May 2022
Ward:
Candidates
(by surname):
  • James HUGHES  (Labour Party)
  • David MEAD  (Conservative Party)
  • Clare TEVLIN  (Liberal Democrat)

Questions for Fenstanton ward candidates (6 questions)

Jump to question:  1   2   3   4   5   6 

# Question 1

What improvements do you think should be made to the connection between St. Ives and Fenstanton? Low Road is particularly dangerous as cyclists are often passed closely at speed and the cycleway is too narrow, overgrown and not fit for purpose.

James HUGHES
(Labour Party)

Low Road is a particular issue. As part of the legacy from the A14 construction, a proposal was agreed to link a cycleway from Hilton into Fenstanton and thus onto Low Road as access to the Cambridge Cyleway.
A dedicated cycleway which combines pedestrian walkway is extremely urgent as this will only become busier over time.
Whilst this is not in place, a reduction in the speed limit along this road should be requested.

David MEAD
(Conservative Party)

Maintain a dialogue with the respective landowners to ensure that the hedgerows do not over grow. Improved signage so that motorists are aware of that the Low Road is regularly used by cyclists and pedestrians. Consider options for a reduction in the speed limit.

Clare TEVLIN
(Liberal Democrat)

- Ensuring better maintenance of hedgerow and clearing of litter so that the current cycle way clear of debris.
- Upgrading the cycle path would make a difference. Perhaps with white dividing lines for cyclists and pedestrians and wide enough for both (without impact on road width)
- Better signage for vehicles to suggest that this is a cycle area.
- Reducing the speed limit along low road would help (be assessed for speed reduction).
- To promote a one-direction travel route. Such as promoting the use of a circular cycle route, e.g. via the cycle path along Guided Busway and the Fen bridleway. The route also must be better lit and safe for use (cat's eyes would be helpful along the bridleway).

# Question 2

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?

James HUGHES
(Labour Party)

There is a lack of pavements and cycleways in the villages around Fenstanton. Living in Hilton, there is no way to get to St Ives or Fenstanton without either walking/cycling along the road or a much longer treck across bridleways. Clearly this is not possible for anyone with mobility issues.
There should be a plan to connect the more rural parts of the county with cycleways to enable segregation between powered and unpowered traffic.

David MEAD
(Conservative Party)

In this rural area serious consideration needs to be given to improving cycling and walking options between Fenstanton, Hilton, Conington and St Ives. The new A14 has provided some of the improvements already but these need to be linked to the respective settlements. The County Council are responsible for this but some joined up thinking is need involving all stakeholders, including Parish Council, the District Council and landowners.

Clare TEVLIN
(Liberal Democrat)

- For those using mobility aids, it is important that pavements have an even surface, have a steady incline with low enough gradient suitable for wheelchair use. Wheelchair users and those with disabilities have had difficulties/ falls due to inaccessible paving.
- It is important to have clear signage when it comes to pedestrians, cyclists and horses. Cambridge Road out of Fenstanton (near Pitfield), with the junction further along leading to either Fendrayton or the slip road on the A1307 (south bound), is an important area to focus on for speed reduction and cealr signage (as well as the High Street) and clear signage. There has been a recent fatality in this location and other near misses, therefore it is important to be speed vigilant here.
- The High Street in Fenstanton needs improvement on speed due to being busy with vehicles rushing through. With there being a nursery on the High Street, it is a busy area and there is risk that needs reducing. I support the application for a 20mph speed limit for the High Street and throughout Fenstanton (particularly Headlands too).
- The Hilton Road, although upgraded for the new A14, could do with being safer for access with clear signage of pedestrian and cyclist use.

# Question 3

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?

James HUGHES
(Labour Party)

Cycling and walking have huge benefits in terms of health and the environment. Creating safe corridors for this to happen is of paramount importance. This should also link with public transport to give people the choice to leave their car at home.

David MEAD
(Conservative Party)

To encourage walking and cycling people need to feel safe. Investment is needed at all levels to improve the network as referred to in Question 2. With all stakeholders involved at all levels the network can be improved and both the young and old will benefit.

Clare TEVLIN
(Liberal Democrat)

- Making cycling a safe and positive experience for young road users. Making sure cycling eduction is done in schools around the local area.
- Promoting the use of helmets, lights (on bicycle and cycling in well-let areas), high-visibility and safety.
- Ensuring cycle paths are safe and clear information on safe routes to go (for example exploring the nearby nature reserve and routes to nearby St Ives, Fendrayton and Swavesey.

# Question 4

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?

James HUGHES
(Labour Party)

The creation of a network of cycleways across the district would help with this.

David MEAD
(Conservative Party)

An improved network of cycling and walking routes will have an immediate impact on car miles. However, all stakeholders need to be involved to ensure this can be funded and delivered. The need to reduce carbon emissions now is a priority for all those who want to protect our planet. This should be a top priority at all levels of government.

Clare TEVLIN
(Liberal Democrat)

- Encouraging active travel is important and will help improve meeting climate targets. However, it all needs be connected and to link up so that it is efficient for people to engage with and choose over traditional journeys/ commutes. For example, choosing active travel that links to a regular and reliable bus/ train service, along with clear and safe paving that is well lit to cycle to/from. If it is not efficient people will not feel encouraged to change habits and choose active travel methods.
- Investing in good bike storage, cycle paths and cycle/footbridges.
- The promotion of cycling and walking events (such as a ‘Step-Up pedometer month’ and encouraging businesses for a walking/ cycling to work initiatives would help get people engaged and involved.
- A multi-partnership approach across the county will help promote and encourage the use of active travel.

# Question 5

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?

James HUGHES
(Labour Party)

I support this wholeheartedly. This is not just a local issue for people but ties in with the global green agenda and reduces our reliance on car transport.

David MEAD
(Conservative Party)

I support all of these points and would be more than happy to champion these.

Clare TEVLIN
(Liberal Democrat)

I agree to support this manifesto and would champion creating safe spaces for cycling and the delivery of a connected network of routes at the heart of transport and development plans.
I believe the need for effective and efficient integration between walking and cycling with public transport is the key to making strides in active travel.

# Question 6

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?

James HUGHES
(Labour Party)

Having moved here from Peterborough 4 years ago, I walk and cycle a lot less now. I don't feel safe on any of the roads leaving my village, Hilton. There is no practical safe way of travelling to St Ives or Huntingdon. You cannot link with the busway to travel to Cambridge or Peterborough.
The costs involved in making these changes are relatively low and become a beneficial facility which would be available to everyone.

David MEAD
(Conservative Party)

I regularly walk into Fenstanton via the underpass on Hilton Road. This should always feel a safe route to use. I walk to St Ives via either the Low Road or the new bridleway down the Fen and onto the Busway. This new route demonstrates what can be achieved when various stakeholders work together. In this case the Parish Council, County Council and landowners. This collaborative approach is essential if similar schemes are to continue to be delivered.

Clare TEVLIN
(Liberal Democrat)

- Safety, connectivity and efficiency is really important.
- Challenges local people face, would when choosing active travel, is the current inefficiency of integration with public transport. For example, to get to Huntingdon train station via active travel, I would need to cycle a Brompton bike, 45 minutes to St Ives, through a currently not-very-safe nature reserve to get to the Guided Busway in St Ives, wait for the bus to then take 45 mins to get to the train station. As opposed to the 13 minute drive it now takes from my house to the train Station. Therefore safety, reliability, developing connectivity and efficiency will help encourage people to change habits and engage in active travel.
- Accessibility to active travel equipments such a bicycles, collapsable bicycles, helmets, locks, online maps etc.
- I personally have some reservations over the use of E-scooters and can be quite dangerous, especially when used illegally.

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.