Issue - meetings

The Chair welcomed Jo Baker (Project Manager) and Isobel Larter (Communications and Engagement Officer) from the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP).

The Committee were presented with an update on the Cambridge Eastern Access project which was agreed by the GCP Executive Committee at a meeting on 1^st July; the reports agreed were the strategic outline business case and consultation report.

A copy of the Cambridge Eastern Access presentation can be viewed at the following link:

(Public Pack)Cambridge Eastern Access Project Presentation Agenda Supplement for East Area Committee, 16/09/2021 18:30

The Committee discussed several issues concerning Newmarket Road, including the problems caused by traffic to McDonald’s with congestion and parking, Elizabeth Way Roundabout, Coldham’s Lane Roundabout Barnwell Road and Cambridge North Station.

It was noted there was also a lack of signage for pedestrians and cyclists when reaching certain junctions in and around the city and more information was required.

The Project Manager noted the request for signage on the cycle path NC51 (running parallel to Newmarket Road) but lighting on green open spaces was not a commitment that could be made. This would create a light pollution issue on local ecology; but a safe cycle path lit along Newmark Road could be considered.

Acknowledged the suggestion there needed to be engagement with external agencies such as the Combined Authority, Cambridgeshire County Council and the rail companies when looking at certain projects.

The Committee next discussed the City Access project and while the two projects would align, City Access was to manage the demand for car traffic into the city centre; whilst the Cambridge Eastern Access Project was looking at the radials into Cambridge. The two projects would complement one and other. 

After discussing the possibility of number plate readers added to the cost of the modal filters to recognise those vehicles which were registered to disabled users, the Chair thanked both the Project Manager and Communications and Engagement Officer for their attendance.