School buses could operate out of city park and rides

Would it work? Have your say before Monday

A survey has shown that term-time brings a ten per cent increase in traffic at peak times, although it isn’t necessarily due to school-runs.

The study, by Cambridgeshire County Council, showed that term-time traffic increases by five per cent over a whole day, from 7am to 7pm.

Headteachers, school staff, parents and students are urged to have their say on how schools and colleges across Cambridge, and school communities more widely, are affected by congestion.

Village residents have reported 105-minute school runs between Cottenham and city colleges at a cost of £270 per term.

Councillor Ian Bates, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Economy and Environment Committee and a member of the City Deal Executive Board, said: “School traffic does contribute to congestion at peak times, but our research shows that it’s also caused by many more people returning to work after the holidays.

“It is important for us to understand how schools and colleges are currently affected by congestion and to bust some of the common misconceptions, so that we can work together to find practical ways forward.

“For example, the County Council is working with private schools in the city to encourage take-up of mini-buses that already operate from Madingley and Trumpington Park & Ride sites, and is looking to expand this provision to help to reduce congestion.”

These school bus park and ride services would work alongside the City Deal’s other congestion measures to tackle the projected 30% increase in journeys over the next 15 years.

The effect of school holidays on traffic varies on key routes into the city including Hills Road, Trumpington High Street, Milton Road and Huntingdon Road.

This is the last week that responses to the City Deal’s congestion consultation will be considered before officers begin drafting the measures that could be introduced to the city in autumn next near.

Residents can voice their thoughts on the Greater Cambridge City Deal website.