A green transport revolution

We need a rapid shift to greener travel, with a more joined-up approach to transport planning and a focus on ending fossil fuel dependence. We need to learn from what works in other cities, and keep the door open to exciting innovations like Very Light Rail, currently being trialled in Coventry.

Our bus services are too expensive, do not serve residents well and are not integrated with regional travel. Lack of good public transport provision deepens inequalities by further disadvantaging people who can’t afford to live close to where the jobs are, or to run a car.

Although Cambridge has the highest level of cycling of any city in the UK, we have the potential to do even better by improving the cycle network. Active travel saves money and improves the health and wellbeing of those who participate, and benefits those less able to cycle or walk by reducing traffic jams and improving air quality.

Alongside providing viable public and active transport options, we need to discourage driving. Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire Green Party continues to believe that a charging scheme will be needed, but that it must reflect the reality of the cost-of-living crisis and must not place additional burdens on any disadvantaged section of society. We believe a Workplace Parking Levy, a tax paid by large employers on staff parking bays, would be a fair and effective first step. The money raised by such a levy should be invested in improvements to public transport.

A Green City Council would:

Work to secure major investment in active transport to create a fully interconnected, properly segregated cycle network which is maintained to high standards (prioritising urgent action on safety issues such as potholes and ungritted surfaces in icy weather)
Ensure the Combined Authority makes good on delivering bus services that are well-connected, fast, cheap and convenient to use, and integrated with active travel networks at well-designed Travel Hubs
Continue to oppose new off-road busways where there are better alternatives
Introduce a Workplace Parking Levy, with suitable exemptions including for NHS premises and disabled parking spaces
Work with partner organisations to develop financially sound, fair and evidence-based proposals for a congestion/ pollution charge
Support the further development and roll-out of innovative solutions to reduce private car use, including car-sharing schemes, on-demand minibus services and electric scooter/ bicycle hire, with vehicles designed to be accessible to as many people as possible
Engage with the design of Greenways, making sure the views of residents and users are taken into account and that the road user hierarchy is built into the design to avoid conflict different categories of users.