Cambridge shop fears bus gate has 'destroyed Mill Road' trade
Traders have recently met with decision-makers about the situation
A shop manager on Mill Road in Cambridge says his business has suffered a "devastating" impact because of a bus gate.
The bus gate means only exempt vehicles such as buses, emergency services, taxis and blue badge holders’ registered vehicles can cross the bridge to drive the full length of the road without being fined.
"As a trader, the effect on footfall has been devastating," Abdul Arain, manager at Al-Amin Stores, said.
Businesses from the Mill Road Traders Association (MRTA) recently met with decision-makers including local councillors and the county's mayor Paul Bristow to discuss the future of the area.
Some of the worries shared by traders and local residents include dropping footfall, accessibility issues, parking and delayed investment.
'Clear roadmap'
Speaking at the meeting, Kobir Ahmed - chair of MRTA - called on a fresh focus and clear timelines for when progress can be made.
"What traders need now is not another discussion about what might happen in the future," he said.
"Mill Road deserves a clear roadmap for the next one, two and five years, with real outcomes that traders and residents can see and measure."
A Freedom of Information request found as of April 29 this year, Cambridgeshire County Council issued a total of 15,483 fines to drivers crossing Mill Road bus gate, worth up to £1,083,810.
Survival of the fittest
Al-Amin Stores has been trading for around 30 years, but Abdul is starting to question what the future holds.
"People like us will need to consider their future or maybe relocate, do something different," he said.
"How can people be positive when they are struggling? I have seen many people literally on the (poverty) line, so for them, it's a question of survival.
"If we were to look at Mill Road generally, almost everyone is singing the same song."
In a survey dated this year, the Mill Road Traders Association (MRTA) - which represents businesses along the road - found nearly 57% of firms saw a decline in performance with 62% seeing fewer customers.
At the meeting led by MRTA, Mr Bristow said Mill Road bridge should be reopened and that the street should still be a key route into central Cambridge.
In a letter to the county council, the former Peterborough MP said he expects a review into the performance of the Mill Road bus gate to take place early next year.
Talks ongoing
Abdul believes most businesses on the street are struggling because of the travel restrictions for customers, adding that the bridge has "basically destroyed Mill Road; people think it's closed for business because you can't go from one (end) to the other."
Councillor Katie Thornburrow, leader at Cambridge City Council, said talks between traders and the local authority will take place in the coming months.
"Mill Road is an important part of Cambridge and a vital community hub; we want to bring residents, businesses and community organisations together to help shape its future," she said.
A spokesperson for the county council said the restrictions are “clearly signposted” and help make Mill Road an “enjoyable” and “safe place to visit” .