Since the Greater Cambridge Partnership tabled plans for a 'Sustainable Travel Zone', I have expressed serious concerns at the choice of a road user charge to fund bus services. The proposed congestion charge is deeply unpopular amongst local people, and if introduced, would be unfair on those who must rely on their car for work or transportation.
This week, the Greater Cambridge Partnership recognised the frailties of their initial plans by introducing some notable revisions, including exemptions for off-peak journeys and hospital users, and the introduction of 50 'free days'.
However, even after these concessions, the GCP's proposition remains unworkable. This scaled back plan would bring in considerably less revenue, whilst at the same, increase administrative costs with all its complexities, and fail to deliver any kind of sufficient bus alternative.
It is disappointing that public money has been spent on establishing something that we knew already - that a congestion charge is totally inappropriate.
