Background

These proposals are part of Stage 4 of the Cambridge Core Traffic Scheme. The Cambridge Core Traffic Scheme is a city centre wide traffic management scheme which aims to remove through traffic and improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. With thousands of homes due to be built in Cambridgeshire it is vital to make changes in the city to improve public transport services.

A key focus of Stage 4 is to improve bus access and management in the Emmanuel Street / Drummer Street / St. Andrew's Street area. Stops in this area are frequently affected by traffic congestion. This causes significant problems with the punctuality of bus services and can make it difficult for passengers to find and board their bus.

Many people chose to access the City Centre by cycle. Improving the safety and ease of access for cyclists is necessary to encourage more people to cycle.

The Grande Arcade and Christ's Lane (previously Bradwell's Court) shopping developments are expected to be completed by 2008. It is likely that both these developments will increase the number of people shopping in the area.

Proposals for redesigning Emmanuel Street and Drummer Street were approved in April 2006. The approved design is shown in plan 1 (PDF 941kb) and includes:

• A 'saw-tooth' (relaxed zig-zag) layout for the bus stops.
• Two-way traffic maintained in Drummer Street but Emmanuel Street one-way towards St. Andrew's Street.
• All access for delivery vehicles to St. Andrew's Street to be via Drummer Street.
• Removal of the long distance bus stops from Drummer Street.
• The Drummer Street taxi rank being relocated to the opposite side of the road and the space of the current rank used for extra local bus stops.
• A boarding point for disabled passengers using taxis and buses.
• Three raised pedestrian crossing points in Emmanuel Street.
• A contraflow cycle lane along Emmanuel Street.
• Improvements to the footway.,
• A 'clutter-free' emphasis with street furniture kept to a minimum.

For full details of the Emmanuel Street / Drummer Street proposals please click on the link on your right.

Redesigning St. Andrew's Street and making minor changes in Hobson Street would further enhance the  environment and help reduce the current congestion. The proposed changes should help towards improving the punctuality and reliability of city centre bus services. They will also improve bus stops to make boarding and alighting easier.