City elections 2023: (some) candidates’ views on Mill Road

Mohammed Azamuddin (Conservative – Romsey)

No response received.

Eric Barrett-Payton (Conservative – Coleridge)

No response received.

Judy Brunton (Liberal Democrat – Coleridge)

1. Are you broadly in agreement with our 8 goals?

Yes.

2. How will you personally support our ongoing campaign, specifically focussing on improvements to the public realm, as overwhelmingly supported in last year’s GCP-led consultation?

I would take a personal interest in all planning applications relating to the Mill Road area. Much of the action required is under the authority of the County Council, not the City Council but I would be anxious to promote the improvements that this consultation has highlighted for our Mill Road area.

3. In your view, what are the three most effective measures that could be taken to improve Mill Road?

1. Restrict traffic – already achieved by the reimposition of the bus gate but I am aware that there could be other ways to achieve this.
2. Improvements to the pavement and road surfaces – basic repairs to remove uneven surfaces to start with but a program of improvements including widening of the pavement in some areas and the creation of designated delivery bays to avoid pavement parking. Raised road surfaces to improve safety for wheelchairs/mobility scooters etc.
3. Enforce all road user laws – deliveries, cars, taxis and cyclists.

4. In your view, what is the best way to prevent rat-running in Petersfield (to and from the station and between East Rd and Hills Rd)?

Strict enforcement of the 20mph speed limit – possible addition of speed bumps on the affected roads.

Improvement to the drop off area at the station. One way in via Great Northern Road and exit via a direct link to Station Road. This would reduce air pollution in Gt Northern Road and improve the flow of traffic at the station.

5. Is there anything else you would like to say about our campaign or the future of Mill Road?

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Tim Brunton (Liberal Democrat – Coleridge)

1. Are you broadly in agreement with our 8 goals?

Yes.

2. How will you personally support our ongoing campaign, specifically focussing on improvements to the public realm, as overwhelmingly supported in last year’s GCP-led consultation?

Continue to respond to all relevant consultations.

3. In your view, what are the three most effective measures that could be taken to improve Mill Road?

1. Raised pavements.
2. unloading bays incorprating cichanes and planters
3. enforcement of all existing road user byelaws

4. In your view, what is the best way to prevent rat-running in Petersfield (to and from the station and between East Rd and Hills Rd)?

Speed bumps.

5. Is there anything else you would like to say about our campaign or the future of Mill Road?

Continue to emphasise the economic benefits of a more pedestrianised Mill Road.

Keep emphasising the safety of children, the disabled and old age citizens.

Emmanuel Carraud (Liberal Democrat – Petersfield)

No response received.

Tim Griffin (Labour – Coleridge Ward)

No response received.

Mairéad Healy (Labour – Romsey Ward)

No response received.

Rosy Moore (Labour – Coleridge Ward)

No response received.

Joshua Morris-Blake (Green – Petersfield)

1. Are you broadly in agreement with our 8 goals?

Yes.

2. How will you personally support our ongoing campaign, specifically focussing on improvements to the public realm, as overwhelmingly supported in last year’s GCP-led consultation?

I’m pleased that the council are finally getting on with long overdue improvements to Mill Road, especially given the support in the GCP consultation.

It’s great that millroad4people already has such a large, active membership in Petersfield and across Cambridge. As a local councillor, I’d love to meet with members, supporters and other key stakeholders, working with fellow councillors, in the coming weeks and months to build a local consensus for a thriving Mill Road.

3. In your view, what are the three most effective measures that could be taken to improve Mill Road?

It’s clear that millroad4people has loads of great suggestions already! Having read through all of your ideas, and considered my own thoughts, I think the top priorities must be accessibility, affordability and reliability.

1. I absolutely support introducing a registration scheme for blue badge holders to go through the bus gate.
2. We should definitely ensure that any traffic calming measures are bus-friendly, and have more frequent buses.
3. The transport authority to use their powers to reduce bus fares – the Green Party wants to introduce a ‘one pound fare to take you there’ policy, which would cap single fares at £1, and include bus travel for young people. This would help ensure that Mill Road continues to attract footfall and therefore boost our local businesses.

4. In your view, what is the best way to prevent rat-running in Petersfield (to and from the station and between East Rd and Hills Rd)?

To prevent rat-running in Petersfield, specific measures such as traffic filtering could be considered. However, any changes should only happen after meaningful consultation with our community to ensure that they are effective and well-supported. Trial periods should be considered to measure specific traffic outcomes on specific streets.

Any filtering should be complemented by safety improvements to East Rd and Hills Rd which could potentially experience more traffic for a limited time as residents reconsider how they travel.

More broadly, improving public transport options and encouraging active travel are the best way get people out of their cars!

5. Is there anything else you would like to say about our campaign or the future of Mill Road?

As work gets underway to design and implement the bus gate for this Summer, this provides a critical period of time in which the Council must properly consult with local residents and businesses about exactly what changes should be made to maximise the benefits of the new bus gate. If elected in Petersfield, working with local stakeholders to develop an optimal design will be a key and immediate priority for me.

Robert Nelson (Conservative – Coleridge)

1. Are you broadly in agreement with our 8 goals?

Yes

2. How will you personally support our ongoing campaign, specifically focussing on improvements to the public realm, as overwhelmingly supported in last year’s GCP-led consultation?

Not in the spring of youth, I will try and respond how and when I can.

3. In your view, what are the three most effective measures that could be taken to improve Mill Road?

1. Scrap the £5 congestion charge.
2. Improve traffic safety by reducing traffic volume and speed.
3. Improve infrastructure for walkers and cyclists.

4. In your view, what is the best way to prevent rat-running in Petersfield (to and from the station and between East Rd and Hills Rd)?

To me the question is too vague. Are we talking about Gonville Place?

5. Is there anything else you would like to say about our campaign or the future of Mill Road?

I like Mill Road, and invariably walk along it to the town centre, although occasionally cycle. I applaud many of your aims. Keep up the good work.

Sarah Nicmanis (Green – Coleridge)

1. Are you broadly in agreement with our 8 goals?

Yes.

2. How will you personally support our ongoing campaign, specifically focussing on improvements to the public realm, as overwhelmingly supported in last year’s GCP-led consultation?

My concern about traffic, pollution and poor road management in Coleridge extends to Romsey and Petersfield. I deplore the current state of Coleridge Road which of course is a main road feeding into Mill Road. Both roads are unsafe and impractical for cyclists and pedestrians, not to mention the high levels of pollution caused by the road layout giving high priority to cars. Quite simply, dealing with traffic and pollution problems in Coleridge helps to deal with traffic and pollution problems on Mill Road.

I fully support what Mill Road For People and was very proud of you regarding the support reflected in the consultation on Mill Road bridge as your priorities align with mine: improving the quality of the air we breathe, making our city a great place to walk and cycle and enhancing community well-being.

3. In your view, what are the three most effective measures that could be taken to improve Mill Road?

1. We believe that a transition from fossil fuel-powered transport to cycling, walking and use of public transport, and the use of electrically powered vehicles, is an essential step towards tackling the climate crisis as well as air pollution and other more local problems. We believe that, with careful planning and consultation, a partial closure of the Mill Road bridge could be implemented relatively quickly and with highly beneficial results. We favoured a modal filter, allowing only buses, cycles, electric scooters, taxis, emergency vehicles and private vehicles carrying blue badge holders through. And, we are really happy that this now has the green light to go ahead and become a reality!
2. Considering the resistance to the modal filter project by many local residents and businesses (businesses understandably worrying about receiving less custom), it is really important to publish any positive data already logged on traffic, pollution and impacts on local businesses and share this information widely so the positive effects of less traffic and emissions on Mill Road can be understood. As the project progresses, key indicators including traffic flow (including bikes) and air pollution and should be monitored and the results published.
3. We suggest a number of additional measures that should be explored, including: tighter enforcement of the 20mph speed limit and of parking restrictions; providing a limited number of loading/unloading bays (with strict enforcement against illegal parking) to allow for shop restocking; designating more disabled vehicle parking spaces along the road; improving signage to direct car parking away from residential roads and into the local car parks; implementing further traffic restrictions such as single-lane traffic controlled by lights; improving bus stops; more bicycle parking and wider pavements.

4. In your view, what is the best way to prevent rat-running in Petersfield (to and from the station and between East Rd and Hills Rd)?

We recommend stricter enforcement of the 20mph speed limit in these areas prone to rat-running and speed cameras and/or speed bumps installed in the most problematic areas. Residents’ safety must be paramount in our priorities and must not be compromised as a result of reducing traffic on our beloved Mill Road.

5. Is there anything else you would like to say about our campaign or the future of Mill Road?

We see the future of Mill Road as a flourishing social and commercial centre, inhabited and used by a diverse range of people and serviced by an excellent pedestrian, cycle and public transport network. Mill Road is currently traffic-heavy and congested. Local car ownership is high, as evidenced by the demand for parking, but could potentially reduce rapidly if the area had better public transport and easier, safer cycling. Now the right decision has been taken, Mill Road can become a more liveable, sustainable centre of a vibrant community.

We hold Mill Road to be an exemplar of the sorts of diverse communities that Cambridge should foster. The local area (Romsey/Petersfield) is becoming increasingly affluent but still is home to, and the workplace of, many lower income people; many young families also live here who seek a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their children. We must ensure that affordable shops are still available so that people on all incomes can continue to access the produce and services available on Mill Road.

Peter Price (Green – Coleridge)

1. Are you broadly in agreement with our 8 goals?

Yes

2. How will you personally support our ongoing campaign, specifically focussing on improvements to the public realm, as overwhelmingly supported in last year’s GCP-led consultation?

I support the eight goals listed on millroad4people.org

Mill Road is such a unique mix of residences and independent local businesses. With all the cafés, restaurants, pubs and shops, Mill Road could be a great low traffic neighbourhood, which would boost business income by increasing footfall, while reducing air pollution.

As a councillor, I would push for a safer active transport network. That would include fixing potholes and broken pavements, increasing the number of cycle lanes, better enforcement of the 20mph speed limit, tackling illegal parking on pavements and cycle lanes, expanding the use of hireable electric bikes and scooters – while making sure there are dedicated parking areas so they don’t obstruct pavements.

I would also consult with Mill Road residents and businesses on the best method of reintroducing a partial closure of the Mill Road bridge and push for a better (and electric) public transport network.

3. In your view, what are the three most effective measures that could be taken to improve Mill Road?

1. Improving safety. Having previously lived on Mill Road, I was horrified by the sheer number of collisions between cyclists and drivers, especially at the St. Barnabas Road junction. As previously stated, we need to better enforce a maximum speed limit of 20mph and tackle illegal parking on pavements. We need to fix the roads/cycle paths and also the pavements, cracks in pavements can be dangerous or completely block access for people who use mobility aids (such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters and guide dogs). I would support any measure which would help local businesses become more accessible by increasing step-free access (such as ramps). Introduce more cycle traffic lights at all traffic light junctions, slightly increase the time between the cycle traffic lights and the main traffic lights turning green to prevent collisions.
2. Reduce air pollution. This could be achieved by reducing Mill Road’s through-traffic with a partial closure of the Mill Road bridge, ensuring all buses are electric, only allowing deliveries in a certain time window, improving active transport by introducing new, clearly labelled cycle lanes and cycle parking on Mill road and its connecting streets, preventing rat-running in Mill Road’s connecting streets.
3. Enhancing community. The Mill Road Winter Fair is a staple of Cambridge’s event calendar, I attend every year. Cambridge would benefit hugely from more cultural and artistic events on Mill Road. Transforming Mill Road aesthetically could also improve the sense of community, a more attractive environment would increase footfall, this includes: more trees, community planters, allowing better terrace seating for cafés and restaurants, more green spaces with public seating.

4. In your view, what is the best way to prevent rat-running in Petersfield (to and from the station and between East Rd and Hills Rd)?

As previously mentioned, better enforcement of the 20mph speed limit is crucial. Introducing speed cameras, speed bumps or road-side bollards (preferably planters) could help with ensuring that speed limit is maintained. There is also the option of even further reducing the speed limit in some problem areas. These decisions need consultation with residents and local business owners.

5. Is there anything else you would like to say about our campaign or the future of Mill Road?

Mill Road is one of the most diverse roads in the country, not just because of the wide range of local businesses, but also because of the large cultural diversity. The Winter Fair highlights the vibrancy of the community, Mill Road is a shining example of how a usually heavily congested road can become a cultural hub, attracting many visitors. There is so much potential for Mill Road to foster this sense of community year-round and I fully support your attempts to do so.

I am elated to see your aim to improve accessibility on Mill Road, not just of the road/pavements but also of the local businesses, to ensure that all residents and visitors can enjoy what it has to offer.

Having previously rented on Mill Road, I have personally seen rents increase, while as an NHS employee, I have personally experienced wage stagnation. Obviously, Mill Road is not unique in this regard, Cambridge is one of the UK’s most unequal cities. Rents and house prices have skyrocketed all over the city. Part of building that sense of community has to include working to stop current residents being priced out and preventing gentrification.

Paul Roper (Conservative – Petersfield)

No response received.

Katie Thornburrow (Labour – Petersfield)

No response received.

John Walmsley (Liberal Democrat – Romsey)

1. Are you broadly in agreement with our 8 goals?

Yes

2. How will you personally support our ongoing campaign, specifically focussing on improvements to the public realm, as overwhelmingly supported in last year’s GCP-led consultation?

It is important to be involved in the discussions around the provision of a comprehensive bus network and delivering more walking and cycling routes. I am supportive of sustainable travel zone in principle but concerned that should allow the flexibility needed by residents. As a councillor I would aim to be come actively involved in detailed local improvements, such as the provision of cycle parking.

3. In your view, what are the three most effective measures that could be taken to improve Mill Road?

Three effective measures would be to make use of space for planting use of local businesses to support an attractive and thriving environment, to improving cycle parking and ensure efficient movement of buses along Mill Road.

4. In your view, what is the best way to prevent rat-running in Petersfield (to and from the station and between East Rd and Hills Rd)?

I have not studied this issue in detail, but I think that it would be valuable to look into the pattern of one-way roads North of Mill Road. Street-scape measures on relevant roads could be used to slow traffic and discourage use of specific roads as rat runs.

5. Is there anything else you would like to say about our campaign or the future of Mill Road?

The campaign for the future of Mill Road is important for providing a local voice for implementing significant changes that will happen locally and in greater Cambridge over the coming years.

Suzie Webb (Green – Romsey)

No response received.