Cambridge congestion charge plans dropped

Plans for a congestion charge in Cambridge have been dropped, according to press reports.

The news has been welcomed by the RHA. The congestion charge would have seen coaches face £50 charges to enter the city. The announcement comes after the RHA had campaigned for the proposal to be dropped. It has been reported that political support for the proposed charge had waned, with plans to discuss the idea dropped at a recent council meeting.

“We all want better air quality and less congestion, and we must find ways which avoid causing financial problems for communities and businesses” – Chris Ashley, RHA Policy Lead, Environment & Vehicles

The RHA has welcomed Cambridge City Council’s decision to scrap plans for a congestion charge in the city.

Chris Ashley, RHA Policy Lead, Environment & Vehicles, said: “This is welcome in light of cost-of-living challenges – and a rethink of the approach is needed.

“We all want better air quality and less congestion, and we must find ways which avoid causing financial problems for communities and businesses.

“We’re committed to working with public authorities to put in place workable solutions that clean up our environment. This should include greater investment in the infrastructure needed to power zero emission commercial vehicles and, from central government, tax breaks such as a fuel duty rebate linked to emissions reduction.”

Mr Ashley said policies like the ULEZ did not allow a second-hand market of affordable, compliant vehicles to develop. He said: “We need to learn these lessons as we continue the journey to net-zero. We must think differently – there are other ways to improve air quality.

“The rules must be attainable for everyone – we’ve got to make it easier for people and businesses to move away from fossil fuels.”