CONSULTATION RESULTS SHOW SOLID SUPPORT FOR TACKLING CONGESTION

Results from Cambridgeshire County Council’s congestion consultation show the majority of Cambridgeshire residents believe congestion in and around Cambridge is a serious problem and believe residents need to change their travel behaviour to ease congestion.
Over 80% of people said congestion in and around the City is a serious problem and 65% agreed with the statement that residents in Cambridgeshire need to change their travel behaviour to help ease congestion in Cambridge. 76% said they would use their car less if suitable alternatives were available.

In relation to congestion charging, whilst 49% of people opposed the principle of congestion charging, 59% said they would support charging if attractive alternatives were in place for travelling in Cambridge.

The results of the consultation were announced today (6 May 2008) at an event for Councillors and local stakeholders.

The County Council organised the consultation following its submission of a £517m proposal to the Department for Transport for a massive package of improvements to tackle congestion.

The improvements would include:
· New road schemes
· A new rail station at Chesterton.
· A doubling of bus services, improvements in their frequencies and new measures for both rural and Cambridge City services.
· A new comprehensive network of cycle and pedestrian paths in Cambridge and linking to surrounding developments.
· Major boost in rural bus services, cycle ways and paths.
· Major safety improvements to junctions and roads.
· A congestion charging scheme that would operate between 7.30 am to 9.30 am, Monday to Friday and cost between £3 and £5.

Councillor Keith Walters, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council said, “There has been a lot of interesting information revealed today and it’s going to take a number of weeks to digest everything.

“For me, one of the key findings is that the vast majority of local people and our stakeholders recognise congestion is a problem and they want something done about it. It’s also encouraging to see that 65% of people believe residents need to change their travel behaviour to help ease the problem.

“I’m very grateful to the thousands of local people and hundreds of businesses, charities and other local organisations who have taken part in this important survey. We are contacting all of these people to thank them for their views and to give them our website address where they can find the consultation results.

“In terms of congestion charging, it’s not surprising that many people have concerns about the scheme and I’m certain we need to spend more time investigating these concerns. However, it’s also encouraging to see that whilst only 31% of people support the principle of congestion charging, this support rises to 55% when all revenues are spent on improving transport in Cambridge, and rises again to 59% when attractive alternatives are in place for travelling in Cambridge.”

The Council will now be considering the results from the consultation and meeting with partners including Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council to discuss how the consultation results affect the proposed transport improvements.
ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Notes for editors

· For more information contact Councillor Keith Walters on 07704804246 or Kara Hill on 01223 718510.

· The consultation results will be available at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/congestion from 5 pm on 6 May.

· The Council’s consultation aimed to stimulate debate, increase understanding and gather feedback and was not solely designed to find out how many people supported or opposed the Council’s specific proposals.

Email the Press Office