Route revealed for rally over proposed Cambridge road charge
The route that a march opposing plans for a city-wide road charge will take through Cambridge on November 27 has been confirmed.
The organisers say the demonstration will give people the chance to voice their concerns over the proposals that they argue will be “completely unaffordable” for many.
The rally, which will be held on Sunday, November 27, has been organised by the Cambridgeshire Residents’ Group (CRG) in conjunction with the Mill Road Traders’ Association and is supported by Cambs Against the Congestion Charge – which say they recognise the “need for change but stand firmly against the current proposals”.
The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) is currently consulting on plans to impose a daily road charge on any motorists driving in Cambridge between 7am and 7pm on weekdays, to fund a better bus network, with more services and fares of £1 and £2.
The road charge would cost car drivers £5, and van drivers £10, with higher charges for larger vehicles.
A spokesperson for CRG said: “We will not accept that the people of Cambridgeshire be subjected to a crippling tax to fund the GCP’s plans for an improved bus service.
“We will not accept that there is no plan B put forward by the GCP.
“We will not accept that the large companies who benefit from our city cannot be made to pay for this via a workplace parking levy.
“We will not accept that local businesses and livelihoods are threatened.
“We do not trust the process of a consultation run by an organisation who have put all their eggs in one basket and who, without the back-up of a plan B, cannot afford to conduct it impartially.
“We will march to vent our frustrations, to send a message to the GCP, and to inform the wider community of their plans.
“We invite all who are concerned about the looming spectre of this added tax to join us.”
Shapour Meftah, chair of the Mill Road Traders’ Association, added: “We have helped to organise this rally because the congestion charge will be devastating for businesses.
“If you have to pay £10 a day for a van to drive in Cambridge, that will quickly add up and we know suppliers will be badly affected if they have to pay £50 a day for their lorries to make deliveries.
“People have said to us they will simply stop coming into Cambridge any more.
“The end result will be a dead city because businesses can’t afford this, it will keep customers and suppliers away and we can’t pass the cost onto our customers.
“I hope thousands of people will join us at the rally. We’ve given out lots of leaflets and everyone we speak to is against the charge.”
- The rally will start in three locations at midday on November 27 before marching to Parker’s Piece for 1pm.
- Residents can join the rally at Sainsbury’s in Coldhams Lane or along the route to Parker’s Piece via Brooks Road and Mill Road.
- The second start location will be Tesco in Newmarket Road, heading to Parker’s Piece via Newmarket Road and East Road.
- The final start point will be the Shire Hall car park in Castle Hill and the route will head via Magdalene Street, St Andrew’s Street and Regent Street to Parker’s Piece.
- At Parker’s Piece there will be speakers, and those joining the march are encouraged to bring drums and whistles.
You can read more about the GCP proposals and respond to its consultation at consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com.
