Warning notices to be sent to drivers flouting Mill Road bridge bus gate restrictions
Motorists who fail to abide by the rules of the Mill Road bridge bus gate in Cambridge will now receive warning notices, a council has said.
The move comes ahead of the introduction of fines from next month and is part of a phased approach to the restrictions.
Cllr Neil Shailer, vice-chair of the highways and transport committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “In December, we began the Mill Road bridge bus gate restriction in a measured way, we wanted to allow extra time for people to adjust.
“We’re now starting the next stage where those drivers of vehicles that are not exempt will receive a warning notice, and we’ll also find people whose vehicles should be exempt. They will need to register.
“We have already contacted more than 360 local care providers about exemptions for vehicles of care workers carrying out home visits in the Mill Road area, and received some positive feedback from our engagement, so we hope this extended period allows everyone time to get used to the restriction.”
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) that was agreed by councillors has been enforceable since December, but until the end of January drivers who are not exempt from the new restrictions were only warned, with civil parking enforcement officers monitoring use of the bridge and signs on display.
No fines or official warning notices were issued in this period.
From Monday (3 February), a further warning period came into force during which drivers of non-exempt vehicles will receive warning notices. Drivers who are exempt will be encouraged to register online, before the fines begin to be imposed in March.
Work to install the bus gate was completed in November, but ANPR cameras were vandalised when first installed.
Protesters also prevented contractors working overnight on the project, forcing them to switch to daytime work instead.
The restrictions mean the bridge is closed to motor vehicles, except for buses, emergency service vehicles, taxis and Blue Badge holders’ registered vehicles, with the aim of improving the environment, air quality and safety for cyclists and pedestrians, who can continue to use it.
Blue Badge holders can register up to two vehicles for exemption via an application form on the council’s website. They will need to supply a copy of their paperwork.
Those vehicles that are exempt, such as those being driven by blue badge holders, will need to register for exemption via an application form online, which is available on the council’s website.
More information including the exemption criteria and operational guidance document is also available online.
The restrictions were approved after a consultation found a majority of respondents were in favour of the move.
An earlier TRO was quashed on technical grounds following a challenge by protesters.
And another court challenge awaits: the Friends of Mill Road Bridge 2 group have challenged the order on four grounds, including that the council has failed to provide legally adequate reasons and failed to take into account a petition against the proposals conducted by the Mill Road Traders' Association.