Why Cambridge Sustainable Travel Zone is Needed – Sustrans
Update 8th September 2023: at a meeting yesterday, the Greater Cambridge Partnership Joint Assembly effectively abandoned the Sustainable Travel Zone and Making Connections plan. This follows the current fashion, inspired by Mr Sunak, of politicians being too spineless to make the meaningful changes we need on transport.
Sustrans are backing the proposed Greater Cambridge Sustainable Travel Zone (STZ).
The STZ is part of the area’s Making Connections plan, which also includes transforming the bus network and investing in active travel.
Head of Partnerships at Sustrans Midlands and East, Matthew Barber, recently wrote a blog post in support of the STZ. He says that motor vehicles have been prioritised for nearly 70 years, and challenging the status quo is difficult but necessary.
‘Change might be hard but it is desperately needed,’ says Barber.
Consultation Results
The results of a consultation on Making Connections were published in June 2023.
The percentages supporting and opposing the main proposals were as follows:
- bus improvements – 70% in favour and 22% against
- investment in active and other sustainable transport – 75% in favour and 14% against
- STZ, a charge of £5/day for private cars – 34% in favour and 58% against
The Case for Cambridge STZ
Following the publication of the consultation results, Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) made the case for the STZ.
They say Cambridge needs to reduce car travel to meet its carbon reduction targets, but acknowledge the 58% who opposed the STZ. The are proposing to adapt it as follows:
- reduce the number of hours when STZ applies from 12 to 6 (7-10am and 3-6pm)
- widen the exemptions
- give car users 50 free days a year
In the document, GCP set out the damage caused by too much traffic, and the positive aspects of Making Connections.
What Happens Next?
Cambridge Cycling Campaign say that the revised proposals will be considered by the GCP Joint Assembly on 7th September, and by the GCP Board on 28th September 2023.
If approved, it would go to Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways and Transport Committee on 3rd October 2023. The full board of the county council is unlikely to take a final decision before the second half of 2024.
The STZ could be introduced in 2026/7.
The original proposals would have raised £82.5 million to spend on sustainable travel, but under the revised plan only £31 million would be available. This would be split as follows:
- £26 million for buses and
- £5 million for active and other sustainable travel
The cycle campaign comment:
‘The revised proposals cut sustainable transport funding by 64% and fail to reduce motor vehicle journeys by 50% as originally estimated; they would have a positive but significantly-reduced impact on delivering safe, attractive and convenient alternatives to driving.’
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