Outcry at £5 fee to drive in Cambridge as motorists slam ‘draconian’ congestion charge
- Greater Cambridge Partnership hopes to bring £5 weekday charge on motorists
- Charge would cover journeys to, from and within zone that covers most of city
- Supporters say it will help pay for public transport and improve the air quality
- But opponents say that the potential £1,300 annual cost per car is unaffordable
It is known as the cycling capital of the UK. But motorists in Cambridge are rebelling against a ‘draconian’ congestion charge that they say is a step too far in favour of the cycling lobby.
The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) wants to introduce a £5 charge for any weekday journeys to, from and within a zone that covers virtually the entire city.
Supporters say it will help pay for public transport and improve air quality. But opponents say the potential £1,300 annual cost per car is unaffordable when there is a cost of living crisis.
Motorists in Cambridge are rebelling against a ‘draconian’ congestion charge that they say is a step too far in favour of the cycling lobby. Pictured: Cyclist alongside heavy traffic in Cambridge
Opponents to the charge say the potential £1,300 annual cost per car is unaffordable when there is a cost of living crisis. (File image)
Some spoke of having to quit Cambridge altogether as they could not afford the charge, or said they were too unwell to cycle to hospital appointments.
However, campaigner Josh Grantham said: ‘Most people in Cambridge want improved buses and cycling. This provides funding for both of those things.’
The Sustainable Travel Zone is planned to go live in 2027/28.
A decision is expected next month on a wider scheme in Oxford in which drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles face a charge of up to £10.
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