Following an extended warning period for drivers to get used to the new layout, warning notices will begin at the Mill Road bridge bus gate.
In December 2024, the council announced a phased approach to the bus gate restriction, to allow people time to get used to it and encourage drivers not to travel over the bridge.
Although the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has been enforceable since December, the period up to the end of January has been used as a warning period only – no fines or official warning notices have been issued during this time. From this week (3 February), any drivers of non-exempt vehicles who drive over the bridge will receive warning notices. If the vehicles are exempt, drivers will be encouraged to register online. Fines are not expected to come into effect until March.
Cllr Neil Shailer, vice-chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “In December, we began the Mill Road bridge bus gate restriction in a measured way, we wanted to allow extra time for people to adjust.
“We’re now starting the next stage where those drivers of vehicles that are not exempt will receive a warning notice, and we’ll also find people whose vehicles should be exempt. They will need to register.
“We have already contacted more than 360 local care providers about exemptions for vehicles of care workers carrying out home visits in the Mill Road area, and received some positive feedback from our engagement, so we hope this extended period allows everyone time to get used to the restriction.”
The restriction over the bridge will be implemented as a bus gate and those vehicles that are exempt, such as those being driven by blue badge holders, will need to register for exemption via an application form online, which is available on the council’s website. More information including the exemption criteria and operational guidance document is available on our website.
Longer term public realm improvements are anticipated for Mill Road, subject to funding and further local engagement.