Cambridge needs ambitious public transport strategy

1.00.00pm GMT Wed 22nd Nov 2006

Cambridge City Council has responded to the publication of the Cambridge East Sustainable Transport Strategy.

Councillor Sian Reid, Executive City Councillor for Planning and Transport, commented:

"The City Council believes that the dramatic level of projected growth in housing, as well as the imperative to reduce the carbon footprint of the city, requires adventurous and bold thinking on transport options.

"It is important to remember that resolving a transport strategy for Cambridge East cannot be achieved without an understanding of how the demand for car and other forms of travel into the city is to be managed. We await the development of the County's Long Term Transport Strategy in this regard.

"We need proper Government funding for transport infrastructure in and around the city. Cambridge needs an ambitious public transport and cycling strategy, which is unlikely to be affordable just through developer funding.

"We're pleased to see that the strategy recognises the need to create new segregated public transport routes including on Newmarket Road and the development of orbital public transport routes feeding the Science Park and Addenbrooke's Hospital where many people work.

"However, we are concerned that the proposed development of the North Works site ahead of the airport site needs to be separately and carefully evaluated in terms of its impact on transport in the city. There will need to be measures that will greatly mitigate its impact.

Councillor Sian Reid

"I'm also very concerned about the proposal to reduce the trees and verges along Perne Road. The report identifies an alternative, to development new off-road bus capacity along the railway between Newmarket Road and the bus station. This needs urgent investigation."