Ideas

Chris

Countering the inexorable growth of vehicles (tall, wide, powerful) that increasingly impact other users

Mark

I support restrictions both on through traffic and on on-street parking in Central Cambridge. Your vision for Mill Road is excellent.

Anke

Design edges of pavements so it is physically impossible to drive up with a car/van.

Alan

What we have now is a huge gain on the previous traffic sewer but it does have problems.
If the council are serious about this the pavements should be built out to give a single track roadway with passing places and loading bays etc and chicanes for speed control and then the bridge open to all traffic.
Without serious work to discourage fast and through traffic the bridge should stay closed.

David

I support. The bridge should be kept closed. Returning to the bad old days is unacceptable.

Matt

Please retain the existing closure to vehicles!

Ruth

I cycle and shop on Mill Road regularly.  I love the quieter road. However I live on Coldhams Lane and don’t enjoy all the extra traffic outside my front door. I’d like to see a comprehensive traffic reduction plan for the whole city that radically changes how people access the city. Comprehension and free public transport, disabled parking only, depots at park and ride sites for collecting chosen shopping items etc

Deborah

Keep regular traffic off the bridge.

Hjördis

Please do not open Mill Road for traffic again.

Fergus

Really like the ideas, reduced vehicle traffic really improves the mill road area.

Russell

Please, let’s continue the amazing transformation of Mill Road from a congested and polluted danger to a wonderful oasis of calm, safety and bustling independent shops. Without traffic, Mill Road is so much more of a community hub than ever before. Re-opening the Bridge to traffic would be a terrible retrograde step.

Karen

I really hope that we can keep Mill Road bridge closed to all traffic except buses and emergency vehicles.

Trudi

I support the closure of Mill Road bridge to cars (except perhaps for disabled drivers).

Natalie

We should be running full workshops as part of the consultation process.

Francesca

Amazing!!!!

Helen

I believe Mill Road is a much safer and less polluted road with the bridge closed to traffic and would like to see it remain that way.

Rosie

Please keep Mill Road bridge closed. …get rid of all the build outs on the bridge which making cycling precarious. 

Marta

I am in full support if the bridge closure to regular traffic, and just keeping it for pedestrians, bikes and public transport.

Steve

How about a voluntary ‘Happy Tax’? Those residents who love living in the area and want to see it improved could commit to a regular monthly payment. The amounts raised and the way the money is used would be shown on the website in a totally clear and transparent way. Indie Cambridge carried out a survey 4-5 years ago and there was support for this idea from some people. Payments are simple and the admin costs are low through GoCardless, a Direct Debit based system.

Gabriel

Narrow the roads to those of residential streets

Philippa

I wholeheartedly agree with all your aims for Mill Rd. I have lived in the area (originally on Guest Rd directly off Mill Rd) since 1994 and care about it deeply.

I very much want the partial bridge closure and traffic calming measures to remain- in order to reduce the appallingly heavy traffic congestion and consequent pollution in the area.

Jill

I would like to see … restricted times for deliveries

Dieter

Generally agree with all your objectives

Amanda

Mill road is so much better for the bridge closure. Thank you for taking action to continue this.

Glyn

Keep the bridge shut to cars. All your ideas are good.

William

I agree with your objectives. Let us seek compromise solutions.

There is great potential for a friendly Mill Rd by the simple means of limiting traffic over the bridge .  Those of us who are ancient residents remember the campaign ca. 1970 to place bollards on Gwydir St, Hooper St. The effect was dramatic and the quality of life vastly improved. There had been a serious cars and vans ‘rat-race’ as a short cut between Mill Rd and Newmarket Rd. There were loud objections to this, but it was without question the correct decision.

Elizabeth

I am horrified to think of mill road going back to the dirty, nasty place it was and just want you to know I’m 100% with your campaign

Chris

I’m really keen to see Mill Road not return to the former congested and polluted thoroughfare that it once was. It is a very unpleasant environment in which to live when it is like that.

Although there is an argument that the city centre needs routes in and out of the centre, Mill Road is different because it is too narrow to accommodate segregated cycle lanes (compare this to all of the other arteries), and it terminates at the ring road (again, compare this to all the other arteries) instead of continuing to major road infrastructure.

Dmitri

1.  restrict mill road car access severely, but allow access for (1) residents–at cost (2) delivery trucks (3) taxis. Make mill road one-way for the limited access vehicles to allow using half the road for dedicated cycle lanes.

2.  Allow residents of mill road and side streets to purchase temporary vehicle access passes for hired vehicles.  currently you must own a car to have the right to park which actually encourages more car ownership.  But allowing a resident to buy a pass for  a week to allow them to move in and out or do a big DIY project would encourage more occasional car rental and less permanent car parking on the streets–cars only for getting big heavy things in and out.

Tom

I support the proposed ideas and hope that in consultation with all stakeholders, the goals are realised.

Carl

I agree with the aims of Mill Road 4 People.

Joelle

As the proposed ideas will make the Mill Road a more attractive place we need to ensure that parking on the side roads remains available for residents.  Petersfield residents and the Coleridge side of mill road have permits but not those of us on the Catharine street side.  This needs to be balanced ensure business for traders.  Some low cost parking spaces mixed with permits may help.

Phil

Keep the bus gate to reduce pollution and make Mill Road safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Reward environmentally friendly developments, businesses and personal responsibility. Take this opportunity to make Mill Road a leading example of an environmentally responsible, attractive and commercially thriving shopping/leisure area.

Malcolm

I agree that the restrictions should stay but the barriers are horrible!

Catherine

All your proposals are great. I completely support this initiative. Well done.

Ann

Keep the bridge closed subject to the changes already proposed. Make Mill Road a one way street?

back to the top

Laura

Residents parking – there is no need for Romsey to be free parking for anyone from the villages who wants to avoid paying town parking prices, or for workmen working in residents zones to park and walk… having a car is a privilege not a right. Those with a car should pay for a permit that is used to keep our streets clean. I have a car but I get sick of seeing Jaguars and Mercedes the size of tanks all over the pavement. Not good for the disabled either, I struggle with a pushchair so can’t be good for the elderly having to walk in the road.

Deborah

Allow disabled drivers to drive across the bridge as well as buses.

Chris

Obviously there are important edge cases around accessibility for people who rely upon motor vehicles to get around, and these need to be addressed. However, limiting the general, private motor vehicles along the road can probably benefit nearly everyone who lives or works in the immediate area, through greater footfall, less pollution and quicker journey times for those who depend upon their motor vehicles.

Anke

Remove all traffic lights, bring in more zebra crossings. Raise zebra crossings to height of pavement to make them part of them.

back to the top

Natalie

At the very least definitely maintain the vehicle restrictions that are making a huge difference to air quality and quality of life in the area. Prior to closing Mill Road bridge, I was tested by a midwife and found to have, as a pregnant woman, the same levels of CO2 as a 10yr smoker despite not being a smoker myself.

Gabriel

Better police enforcement

Laura

For what it’s worth the road is still very busy and dangerous with cars parking wherever they like – a clampdown on parking would be good. More crossings to make crossing safer.

Trudi

I welcome the ideas here about making Mill Road a pleasant, safe place for the community.

Maggie

I think you have lots of good ideas. I have found it much easier to cross the road, whether on foot or pushbike. Would it be worth considering more side roads being one way for motor vehicles and two way for push bikes?

Marta

[Restricting traffic on the bridge] has made such a big positive impact on Mill Road, which is much safer and hence much more accessible to the local community. I have two small children, so for us it’s made a world of a difference. And then the pollution levels and noise levels have improved so much.

Philippa

I ,like many others, have pulmonary issues and have been ,sadly, avoiding Mill Rd for years because of the air pollution for both my own health and that if my children when they were younger.

Joelle

Hi.  There are some great ideas.  I would note that cars tend to race between the bollards to avoid having to wait for bikes or other cars.  The planters are a much nicer idea than the bollards but the streetscape needs to prevent dangerous driving between obstacles.  There should also be more done to prevent cyclists on pavements.  Given the restrictions and lower number of cars I am still surprised how many people seem to think it is ok to cycle on the pavements, especially the Broadway where the pavement is wider.

Ann

Prevent fast driving by whatever means.

back to the top

Clare

I strongly support efforts to improve the environment around Mill road and promote active travel

Chris

Healthy Streets; The NHS as an ally

Seb

Use ‘pedestrian priority’ signage and road surface (e.g. raised brick sections)

Single vehicle lane over the bridge (with traffic lights), making room for a dedicated cycle lane

Finlay

Keep the bridge filtered, and set about reclaiming the street for foot and cycle traffic.

Anne

I welcome the opportunity to reduce car use and make the neighbourhood safer for pedestrians and cyclists

Marta

I think the cities in general should be much more for people and less for cars, so anything in support of better public transport and better possibilities for going around walking or in bikes are good. I’d like, in the whole Cambridge, to see more bike lanes that are fully separated from both the road for cars and the path for pedestrians. I would like to see less traffic lights where you need to cross to the middle of the road and wait there, it shows so much how the car and not the people has the preference. You don’t have those in Mill road, but to get to Mill Road from the city centre, you get those

Karen

It has been so nice to feel safe walking and cycling along Mill Road for the first time in years.

Francesca

Mill Road ought to have a visible cycle path like in Holland where cyclists are the real owners of the road.

Fiona

Love the ideas about … cycle parking and safer (for cyclists) delivery parking.

back to the top

Trudi

It’s important that the Mill Road traders can get their deliveries, and that they be involved in the planning. I use Mill Road more now that it is safer and more pleasant, and will do so even more if it continues to develop in this direction. I hope there will be more outlets for small, local businesses, especially locally grown and locally produced food. This reduces food miles and improves the environment for everyone. Weekend food fairs have been great in the past; it would be good to see these more often, perhaps every month or two.

Martin

I did wonder whether there were options for Romsey shopping loyalty cards to encourage people to use local business as their preferred shopping venues of choice. 

Dmitri

Allow restaurant  tables on pavement

Alison

I fully support the 8 ideas suggested. In particular, better road / pavement design is needed, to enhance the street & encourage people to shop, eat, etc on Mill Rd.

Judy

Thoughtful placement of pavement buildouts to give cafes and restaurants extra space.

Marta

Its … great to see more shops open up to the street with outdoor seating.

Katie

Remodelling of Gt Eastern St car park so it’s for shoppers and traders only (residents getting permits on the street).

Natalie

Stop granting planning to small plots to be turned into residential. We’re squeezing everything we can out of mill road and not giving anything back! We should be using plots like the snooker hall, hope street yard etc for encouraging mixed small businesses, food courts and retailers, markets. There’s a market for them and it’s the only affordable independent business area in Cambridge.

Chris

I don’t really hold with the idea that the traffic that used to pass along Mill Road contributed much to the local economy.

Helen

The enhancement of the environment with planting and increased paving for pedestrians and shoppers would encourage me to visit more often. As would a greater variety of shops.

Gabriel

Add some parking bays in Mill Rd for delivery vehicles.

Deborah

Make the car parks at each end of Mill Road free for 1 hour/ or at least half an hour so that people can stop by and shop.

Anke

Create special bays for deliveries

Natalie

We can allow business deliveries in certain time periods to prevent impacting their operation.

Finlay

[Reclaim] the street for people to stop and enjoy the shops and cleaner air. I’d.. like to see more formal spaces for deliveries.

Francesca

If shops need to have deliveries these can happen at certain (once) at certain specific times outside of school drop-offs/pick-ups.

John

Provide more parklets for people to sit and linger outside shops

Karen

…it would be great to see a re-creation of the expanded outdoor seating area for the cafes that we had when the bridge was closed two summers ago.

Dmitri

System to allow delivery vans for groceries amazon etc. to access residents. Provide reduced cost parking or free parking scheme where people who come to shop have their parking paid for (merchant validates parking pass).  This could help get the merchants more on board with reducing driving on mill road. provide wheeled carts or baskets that could be used to take shopping goods from mill road back to parking (similar to airport baggage carts).  There must be a way for people who come to shop on mill road to get their heavy groceries and purchases back home. 

Joelle

Hopefully all the new builds going in around the area will help trade on the Mill Road.

Eva

The reduction in car traffic on Mill Road has improved the shopping experience substantially. I really hope that this new flair of the road can be sustained.

Francesca

In general in Cambridge ought to get better not just been redirected to other roads, and that traffic ought to be pollution-free, i.e. electric cars/buses.

back to the top

Natalie

… we absolutely should have had an extensive green corridor with splash parks, skating etc in the old depot works. Take the opportunity and the momentum we’ve got to do something meaningful and long term.

Laura

It would be good to see more for children like they have in Holland- playgrounds on the street so the streets are for living not just transport.

Rosie

Build out parklets for socialising. Also, a  community hub is a great idea!

Laura

More benches and seating.

Marta

We live on Mill Road and have noticed that outdoor seating in cafes is regularly attended by the same local residence for whom it is a community public space and provides means of inclusion in the local community (eg for elderly people).

Roxanne

I enjoy Mill Road so much now. I used to avoid it as it was dangerous and unpleasant. Now I go out of my way to walk and cycle on Mill Road. I always see people I know and it is great to be able to stop and have a chat, which is so much easier now that you can hear each other instead of the roar of traffic and there is more room to safely stand while you chat. Now that I travel this way I pop into the shops more often too. I think the ideas produced by Mill Road for people are a great compromise to ensure the functions for all while remaining safe and attractive.

Sarah

Thank you for working hard to help transform Mill rd into a welcoming community space.

Clare

We have seen a decline of nice behaviour over the last few months.  Since moving away actually.  The path widening scheme has been pushed back (but sadly having been left with plastic highway barriers I’m not surprised it’s failing. Remember the beautiful spaces created during the bridge works?) so we see a trend of ‘less respect’ creeping back in.

The failure to remove path cycling, pavement parking or to tackle parking generally has left a disconnect with locals.

Invest in education and seating so this area comes back to a totally happy place.  Please!

Jill

… more attempts to get traders and residents together to make the Road a better place for all. The spirit of Mill Rd winter fair.

back to the top

Marta

I would like the public transport was more efficient, that it would be a real alternative to the car.

Deborah

Allow taxis to drive across the bridge as well as buses.

Sarah

Shuttle buses for those who need a lift sound are a great idea

Jill

I would like to see … electric taxis especially to cross the bridge

Wookey

I would be extremely wary of allowing full taxi access through the filter, and be careful about delivery exceptions: every dilution of a modal flter reduces its efficacy in terms of minimising motor traffic so be very sure that they are an overall improvement.
Taxi access for blue badge collection / journey could be OK, on the principle that if it’s allowed for private vehicles it should for taxis too. I’m not convinced that it is actually needed for any motor vehicles other than buses, but the blue badge option is worth experimenting with.

Phil

Encourage non-polluting vehicles and provide affordable and convenient public transport

Finlay

I’d … like to see … an efficient and free shuttle bus system running the length of the road (might actually be a good use for that autonomous electric bus from West Cambridge).

Jill

I would like to see electric buses up and down Mill Rd.

Amanda

I wish that the taxis were not using the road still to get to the station – that was a crazy piece of redirection! I support all your aims but not about letting taxis over the bridge. They do not need to use the street as a rat run that direction when they already do in on the way to the station.

Francesca

Electric buses ought to be cheaper and smaller and people encouraged to take them more regularly.

Fiona

Love the ideas about taxi access over the bridge.

back to the top

Sarah

I would also like to see trees planted. I know it can present an additional barrier to navigate around but it’s so much nicer than steering around cars, and adds so much to the environment, not least reducing the temperature. I recently noticed what a difference in temperature between walking through Petersfield Green and emerging onto Mill Road.

Martin

I support your goals.  In addition, I do wonder if we can think of ways to encourage more tree planting along Mill Road and some of the tributary roads.  These help with air quality, the climate and general well being. 

Isobel

More trees to be planted at the end of streets along Mill road. Ideally full pedestrianisation of Mill Road, this side of the bridge should occur and then trees could also be planted down the centre of the road. The area generally lacks greenery and feels very polluted.

Gabriel

Replace the current buildouts with permanent ones on the bridge.
Add parklets where the buildouts are on Mill Rd. Tree and shrub planting.

Catherine

I support your emphasis on the environment and introducing far more street trees, landscaping and planters where ever possible. Todmorden in the Calder Valley ( a poor town) has planters and hanging baskets etc everywhere. Their initiative ‘Incredible Edible’ uses volunteer locals to plant and tend fruit, veg, herbs and flowers in all available ‘waste spaces’ and in raised beds all over the town. This could be replicated on Mill Road.

The road surface, pavements and all infrastructure needs improvement. It could look fantastic but money needed!

Anke

Widen the pavements

Laura

Clampdown on abandoned cars. Cleaning up of abandoned buildings.

Mary

Thank you for setting this up.  I have loved having the bridge closed and have used my bike much more to get to my allotment at Burnside.   I don’t have any new ideas, but I would love to see attractive planting down the street.  In French villages, they have beautiful planters in the centre of the roads which slow down car traffic.

Ann

Remove the horrible orange bollards and use better street furniture such as planters to mark out the narrowing of the road. Create more outdoor seating space.

Deborah

Create wider pavements. Make it look much prettier than it is at the moment! All those horrid bollards!

Fergus

Adding park-lets and/or cafe seating in to the existing roadway will make the area much nicer to be in.

Judy

Use of planters instead of plastic barriers to be more attractive and add green space to the road.

Helen

Having spent a lot of time in France, the ways that towns and villages have controlled traffic and beautified their streets and market places has increased usage anse enjoyment for both residents and pedestrians. Good luck!

Jill

More well designed parklets would enhance the street.

back to the top