Plans to introduce new Congestion Charge struck down over fears it would hammer drivers
Cambridge's Congestion Charge would have covered much of the city
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Following widespread protests and criticism from residents, Cambridge will not be charging drivers to enter the city.
According to the leader of the city council, a Congestion Charge will not be introduced over fears it would impact low income families in the area.
There had been plans to charge drivers at least £5 to drive in and around the city at peak times.
This would have followed the model of London’s Congestion Charge, which charges motorists £15 per day to drive in the centre of the capital.
The leader of Cambridge City Council slapped down the plans
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This operates between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and between 12am and 6pm on weekends, and runs in conjunction with the Ulez and Low Emission Zone.
Under the Cambridge plans, the charge would have helped to raise around £26million a year, with the money going towards an expansion of the bus network.
It would have included much of the city and bordered surrounding areas including Trumpington, Newnham, Teversham and Milton.
Councillor Mike Davey, leader of Cambridge City Council, said there were some parts of the proposals which his party could not support.
He claimed that the “rug was pulled” after the Liberal Democrats in the city expressed concerns about the plans, according to the BBC.
The Labour councillor added: “They are not going to go ahead. There were bits we liked and bits we remained concerned about.
"Sustainable travel has not gone away – something is going to have to happen.
"Something will have to go ahead because we have a problem with congestion in this city, which is only going to get worse."
The “Cambridge Sustainable Travel Zone” was introduced as part of an earlier consultation, which failed to sway residents.
Around 58 per cent of survey respondents said they opposed the charge, with many citing the impact it would have on residents and drivers.
Despite the intention to drop plans for a Congestion Charge, Councillor Mike Davey highlighted the need to support public transport and ease traffic in and around Cambridge.
London’s Congestion Charge was first introduced in 2003, with initial charges costing motorists £5 a day.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
London's Congestion Charge was introduced in 2003
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This was then increased to £8 a day in July 2005, £10 a day in January 2011, £11.50 in June 2014 and finally £15 in June 2020.
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