Archive for category: News

The following information has been received from Cambridgeshire County Council:

 

As the conversation with the DfT (Department for Transport) on the matter of compliance with the Emergency Active Travel Fund (EATF) guidance was by phone, I have confirmed with them by email that my understanding of their position in detail in relation to the guidance was correct before responding to you.

 

The root of the problem with this proposal in the context of the EATF is in relation to the statutory guidance for local authorities at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reallocating-road-space-in-response-to-covid-19-statutory-guidance-for-local-authorities, which sets out the expectations of government and the types of measures that they expect to see coming forward with the funding that they have provided.

 

The “Reallocating road space: measures” section of the guidance starts “Local authorities in areas with high levels of public transport use should take measures to reallocate road space to people walking and cycling, both to encourage active travel and to enable social distancing during restart… …Local authorities where public transport use is low should be considering all possible measures.” It then goes on to list the types of measures that can be implemented from the EATF. Limited restrictions to vehicular access such as HGV bans are not included on this list. The expectation is that measures to improve conditions for cyclists on road will reallocate road space with physical segregation, or very significantly reduce vehicular traffic by use of measures such as modal filters that prohibit through movements by all motor vehicles.

 

The emergency procedures document that you link to in your email below sets out amendments to the procedures for Traffic Regulation Orders in the context of implementation of schemes under the EATF. It does not add to or amend the statutory guidance. The third bullet you note is applicable to proposals covered by the statutory guidance that would need a Traffic Regulation Order to restrict traffic, such as a modal filter or bus gate. It does not broaden the guidance to cover any traffic restriction that would require an order.

 

In terms of the underlying reason that this type of intervention is not included in the guidance, the EATF is expecting local authorities to “make significant changes to their road layouts to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians.” An HGV ban does not do this, and leaves the majority of traffic on the B1040, meaning the benefit to cyclists is marginal at best. It does not reallocate road space, segregate cycle movements or significantly reduce vehicular traffic. Other potential benefits of an HGV ban on the B1040 locally are not covered by the aims of the EATF funding.

 

The above does not remove the local imperative to look for ways to improve traffic conditions in Hilton, but it does confirm that DfT do not consider that the EATF would be an appropriate funding source for measures needed to implement an HGV ban. I hope that this clarifies the position in relation to the EATF.

Very happily, there are no offences or incidents affecting your community to mention in our Policing Update this week, covering the period 16th to 21st September.

Cambridgeshire County Council are looking for volunteers to participate in the Community Gritting Scheme. This is a scheme where local volunteers can help to keep their communities moving in freezing weather. Please find further information in the documents below.

The government has passed legislation for County Councils to implement Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) to promote cycling and walking. Under these measures councils can “restrict certain roads to certain types of travel”. Some measures have already been implemented in Cambridge city such as prohibiting motor vehicles through the width restriction in Storeys Way.

There is a meeting of Cambridgeshire County Council’s (CCC) Highways and Transport Committee, chaired by Cllr Ian Bates, on 15th September at 10am to consider additional measures. They have consulted with Huntingdonshire District Council, although the chair of the HDC has said that this legislation lies entirely within the remit of CCC.

Hilton Parish Council discussed the Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders at their meeting on Monday 7th September and resolved to write to Cambridgeshire County Council to support a 24 hour HGV ban on the B1040 in order to encourage parishioners and cyclists from a wider area to use this road in the aftermath of the lockdown period. A parish councillor has asked to attend the County Council Committee meeting on 15th September to present the case.

Hilton Parish Council also resolved to ask parishioners to lobby the County Councillors so that they are aware of the level of demand for such an initiative and we would urge everyone to email the names listed below supporting the bid for a 24 hour HGV ban on the B1040 between the A1307 Galley Hill Junction and Papworth Everard. It is worth noting that an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order is made specifically to encourage walking and cycling during the Covid-19 crisis and through recovery. We should not give examples of historical issues on the B1040 but be presenting a case for change to encourage cycling and walking in the community.

Hilton Parish Council would like to suggest that all Parishioners write to Cambridgeshire County Council in support of this endeavour and the relevant email addresses are below:

(Acting Head of Transport Policy and Strategy)

(Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee)

(Vice-Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee)

(Clerk to the Highways and Transport Committee)

If you would like any further information please contact the Clerk to Hilton Parish Council –