LIB DEMS WELCOME CAMBRIDGE SOUTH OPENING - BUT WARN THAT LOCAL RESIDENTS MUST SEE BENEFITS TOO

Cambridge Liberal Democrats have welcomed the opening of Cambridge South Station and are calling on local authorities and transport bodies to work closely with residents to ensure that its benefits are widely shared while concerns about traffic, parking and neighbourhood impacts are properly addressed.

The opening of Cambridge South is a major milestone, not only for the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, but for Trumpington, Queen Edith's and Greater Cambridge as a whole.

Cllr Amanda Taylor (City Councillor for Queen Edith's) said:

"I'm delighted that the Cambridge South station is opening. It has been a 'slow train coming', as the Liberal Democrats have been calling for a station in the south of the city for over 30 years. When I was first campaigning for it back in the 1990s, we called it 'Addenbrooke's Station', as we knew we needed a station near the Biomedical Campus to make it easier for patients, staff and visitors to get there by rail. It will also make railway journeys easier for students at Long Road VI Form College and Cambridge Technical College. I am looking forward immensely to hearing the first whistle!"

Cambridge South will provide direct rail access to one of Europe's leading centres for healthcare, medical research and life sciences. It will improve connections to London, Stansted Airport and the wider region, making it easier for staff, patients, students and visitors to reach the Biomedical Campus. It also gives many residents of Trumpington and Queen Edith's a convenient new station within walking distance of their homes.

City Cllr Olaf Hauk (Trumpington) said:

"As Cambridge continues to grow, investment in public transport infrastructure like Cambridge South is essential. If Greater Cambridge is to accommodate new homes, jobs and opportunities without worsening congestion and pollution, growth must be accompanied by high-quality sustainable transport. Cambridge South is one of the most important pieces of that puzzle."

"The station has also been designed with sustainability in mind. Its green roof, rainwater harvesting systems and commitment to biodiversity net gain demonstrate how major infrastructure can support Cambridge's environmental ambitions while helping to deliver sustainable economic growth."

While welcoming the new station, Liberal Democrat councillors say it is important that its impact on nearby communities continues to be monitored. Residents have raised concerns about increased cycling and pedestrian movements through nearby green spaces such as Hobson's Park, traffic generated by taxis and drop-offs, noise from station announcements, and pressure on parking in surrounding residential streets.

County Cllr David Levien (Trumpington) said:

"Residents are rightly concerned about overspill parking in residential areas of Trumpington and Queen Edith's. Unfortunately, many roads on the Clay Farm development have not yet been adopted, meaning parking enforcement remains the responsibility of the developer, Vistry. We will continue pressing for an effective parking regime that protects local residents."

"We're also calling for better integration of Cambridge South into the wider public transport network through frequent shuttle bus services linking the station with the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Trumpington Park & Ride and the proposed Travel Hub south of Trumpington. Better onward connections would reduce taxi traffic, discourage 'fly parking' in nearby streets and make it easier for people across Greater Cambridge to reach the station by sustainable means."

Cllr Olaf Hauk added:

"The opening of Cambridge South is something to celebrate. But its success shouldn't be measured only by the number of passengers using it. It should also be judged by how well it works for the communities living alongside it. We'll continue working with residents, Network Rail and transport authorities to monitor the station's impact and press for practical improvements wherever they're needed."
"Cambridge South is a project that Cambridge Liberal Democrats championed long before it became government policy. We are proud to see it finally open and will continue working to ensure that it delivers lasting benefits for residents, the Biomedical Campus and Greater Cambridge."