Please find below a copy of the response submitted by the Cambridge City Conservative Association in response to the Mill Road TRO Consultation
The Mill Road Bridge, built in 1889, plays a crucial role in linking the Petersfield and Romsey communities. As the middle bridge of three road bridges over the railway line, it integrates the areas of Petersfield, Romsey, Abbey, and Coleridge.
The stated reasons (PR1058-Statement-of-Reasons) for the new TRO include avoiding danger to road users, facilitating the passage of all traffic (including pedestrians), and preserving or improving the amenities of the area. It also mentions the positive environmental benefits, such as better air quality and reduced noise pollution. The statement highlights that Mill Road suffers from high levels of through traffic, which, combined with local traffic and the high number of pedestrians and cyclists, causes significant congestion, particularly at peak times, leading to an unpleasant environment. Air pollution and a poor road safety record are directly related to these issues.
These reasons depend on whether the volume of motor vehicles is substantial enough to warrant such measures. If not, the TRO is unnecessary. If it is, the TRO’s impact cannot be viewed in isolation from other areas of Cambridge, where motor traffic will be redirected. Why should residents of Coldhams Lane, Hills Road, or Cherry Hinton Road, which lead to the remaining road bridges over the railway, endure increased congestion, noise, and pollution? Why should residents of Devonshire Road endure the inevitable rat running? Additionally, the new TRO should be considered alongside other council plans that may exacerbate these issues, such as restricting turns at the Catholic Church.
Cambridge City Conservatives believe that Mill Road Bridge should remain open to support freedom of movement, community connectivity, religious worship, and the thriving independent businesses on Mill Road.
We note that no reference has been made in the statement of reasons to the supporting data for the listed reasons of road safety, congestion, noise pollution, and air pollution. We request that this data be provided, particularly air pollution data under ‘The Environment and Information Regulations 2004’ Part 2 section 5 (2), which states that information shall be made available as soon as possible and no later than 20 working days after the date of receipt of the request.
We call on the County Council to conduct and publish a comprehensive study of the impact of all traffic restriction plans on the wider areas of Petersfield, Romsey, Abbey, Coleridge, and beyond. This study should provide positive proof of the need for the TRO based on the data requested above before making a decision on the new Mill Road Bridge TRO.
Chris Broom
Chairman, Cambridge City Conservative Association