The need for new transport directions
The Cambridge Sub-Region is currently experiencing strong
economic growth and this is creating a demand for new housing and employment
sites. House prices and rents are rising to a level where many essential workers
cannot afford to live in the city and are forced to commute. This all adds to
the pressure on the infrastructure, particularly the transport system. Traffic
congestion adversely affects the quality of life and the economic efficiency of
the sub-region.
The
Draft Structure Plan for the period up to year 2016 proposes that for the
Cambridge Sub-region 50,000 new
jobs will be created and about 42,000 new homes built. This will be
accompanied by a substantial growth in travel demand. The already congested and
under-funded transport system will be unable to cope unless there is major
investment. Cambridgeshire County Council has estimated that £1bn needs to be
spent on transport.
Cambridge Futures Phase 2 will examine a number of transport options. These are
summarised in the box on the right. Each of these distinct modes of transport
will be considered separately to clearly demonstrate their individual effects.
The results will be presented in Spring 2003 as a report, exhibition, and
possibly a video.
The Options
The options still need to be developed into specific schemes. They will go
through an initial screening process to select those that are worthy of detailed
analysis.
To find out more about each of the options, follow the links in
the box on right-hand side of this page. These pages will be modified as the
project progresses, adding more detail and providing opportunities for feedback.
Please add your comments on the message board if you think we
should include any other options.
Information on existing transport provision in the Cambridge
Sub-Region and proposed schemes year 2004 to 2011 can be found in the
Cambridgeshire County Council,
Local Transport Plan.
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The Options
Do minimum
- continuation of existing policies
Reducing the need to travel
- using new technologies to encourage "virtual mobility" Public transport
-Extending park & ride, guided bus, trams, light rail, underground metro
Highways
- widening trunk roads, new local roads, orbital route
High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes
- promoting shared use of vehicles through priority lanes, financial incentives,
etc
Pricing
- workplace parking levy, road pricing
Cycling
-extending the cycle network, improved facilities, cycle priority
Human transporter
- mobility at the human scale
Pedestrianisation
- extending core area pedestrian zones, home zones |
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