On Tuesday, 7 March 2023, members of the Highways and Transport committee voted to reinstate the Mill Road bridge closure to all motor vehicles, except buses, cyclists, emergency services, taxis and blue badge holders. Work will now get underway to design and implement the bus gate in Autumn 2023, more details will follow.
Blue badge holder registration
Blue badge holders will be required to provide relevant details such as name, address, blue badge number and appropriate paperwork. They will also be able to register up to a maximum of two vehicles.
The exemption does not apply to any other bus gates or lanes in Cambridge.
The closure will be implemented as a bus gate and blue badge holders will need to register by completing the application form.
There will be sufficient time for blue badge holders to register as the bus gate will not be implemented until Autumn 2023.
We are currently aiming to process applications in 3 days.
If you require an application form via e-mail, please contact parkingcontrol@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
If you require an application form to be sent via the post, please contact Parking Control on 01223 727915 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursdays and 9.00am to 4.30 pm on Fridays, excluding bank holidays).
Background
Between June 2020 and early August 2021, Mill Road bridge was temporarily closed to most vehicles under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). The closure was part of a government-funded scheme to help people socially distance and encourage walking and cycling during the Covid pandemic. When the order was removed and the bridge reopened in summer 2021, the Highways & Transport Committee asked the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) to review and consult on options for Mill Road to promote active travel and tackle air quality and congestion.
The GCP consultation, which included focus groups of key stakeholders and two public workshops, showed that there was a desire to see traffic reduced while maintaining access for those who need it, including people with disabilities and taxis. There was also a wish to see the environment enhanced along Mill Road, including improving the public realm.
After reviewing the consultation, the Highways & Transport Committee at its meeting on 12 July 2022 agreed to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to reinstate the modal filter on Mill Road. The Committee was clear the TRO should include new exemptions, allowing blue badge holders and taxis over the bridge.
TRO documents
The Mill Road TRO Have Made Notice, Sealed Order, Plan and Statement of Reasons are published below.
The TRO was made and sealed on 14 June 2023; the implementation date is 16 October 2023
Public realm scheme
Respondents to the GCP consultation also expressed a wish to see the environment enhanced along Mill Road including improving the public realm and walking and cycling provision. The public realm changes will be made in collaboration with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and GCP. It is anticipated design work will begin in 2023.