County council hit with legal challenge over proposed car ban on city bridge

Cambridgeshire County Council’s plan to ban cars from using a bridge in Cambridge has been challenged by a local campaign group, who argue that fines for using the bridge will only “displace” traffic elsewhere.

The council has now revealed that the ban will not be introduced until the legal challenge gets resolved.

On 7 March, members of the Cambridgeshire's 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. The decision followed a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

Campaign group Friends of Mill Road Bridge launched a legal challenge against the decision, which has led to the council delaying the implementation of the ban, until the court determines the outcome of the challenge.

However, the group said it wants to see the TRO “quashed entirely".

Committee Chair Pam Wesson said: "Residents, workers and traders all across the country need to be able to drive over the bridge without incurring £65 fines. [...] Re-routing drivers will only displace traffic and snarl up traffic nearby, causing needless pollution and time wasting."

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We have received a legal challenge regarding the Mill Road Bridge decision. We have responded to the claim and are waiting for the court to determine the outcome of the challenge.

“In the meantime, we will be implementing some traffic calming on Mill Road – this will include installing a central traffic island and kerb realignment between Devonshire Road and Headly Street, as well as white lining and cycle symbols on the bridge. The work is due to start by the end of September and more details will follow.

“The above work does not include the infrastructure needed to implement the Bus Gate traffic restrictions.”

Lottie Winson