A new road classification for Cambridge

Background

Traffic congestion in Cambridge

The consultation on a new road classification for Cambridge, which would change the categorisation of roads in the city, has been closed. Thank you to everyone for their feedback.

Feedback on the consultation will be published later in the year (2023).

To find out more about the consultation and proposals, please visit our consultation page on: www.greatercambridge.org.uk/RoadClassification2022

A new road classification for the city gives us an opportunity to make a major change to the way that traffic and people use roads and streets to move around the city. Space on the roads could be freed up for more frequent and reliable public transport. It could also create a safer and more attractive environment for people walking, cycling or using other methods of active travel.

It aims to:

  • support improved quality of life
  • help meet the challenges of climate change
  • help to create a sense of place as part of the highway network
  • improve health and wellbeing by providing a nicer environment for physical activity
  • lower air pollution
  • improve access to work, education, leisure, and green spaces.

Managing traffic in Cambridge provides an opportunity to develop a clear sense of place, particularly in the city centre, with more pleasant spaces to visit and spend time, cleaner air, and a safer environment for all road users.

WHAT IS THE ROAD CLASSIFICATION FOR CAMBRIDGE?

The Executive Board considered the Cambridge Road Network Hierarchy Review (Road Classification) at its meeting on 17 March 2022 and agreed that a consultation should take place. See: GCP Executive Board meeting 17 March 2022

The review of the Road Classification is about the way that people and vehicles move around the city. It will consider how roads and streets are classified based on the type of vehicles and traffic that they are used by in the future.

Some roads act as the main routes into, around, and out of the city and, therefore, carry high levels of all types of traffic from lorries, cars, and buses to cyclists and pedestrians. Other more minor roads act as routes that provide access to particular areas of the city. They carry less traffic and are used more by cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. Some streets in the city centre have restricted access for motor vehicles to better cater for higher levels of walking and cycling. They are different types of roads and have different uses, so are categorised differently.