East Cambridgeshire District Council have denounced the "unfair" and "out-of-date" Cambridge congestion charge. 

Councillors agreed not to support proposals to introduce a congestion charge in Cambridge at a meeting on Thursday, December 15. 

The charge, proposed by the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership Making Connections 2022 Consultation, would cost cars drivers and motorcyclists £5, van drivers £10 and HGV drivers £50 if they enter Cambridge on weekdays between 7am and 7pm. 

The daily charge would pay for several bus services serving the area and a demand responsive service for some villages. 

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Cambridgeshire is a rare net contributor to the Treasury; Greater Cambridge is a world leading centre for high-tech and innovation.” 

While the council supports the GCP’s aim of increasing use of public transport, they added: “What’s on offer from the GCP is an out of date 20th century solution for our 21st century county town and it’s just not good enough. The frequency of rural services and key corridor services is inadequate.   

“This is an unfair tax on the people of East Cambridgeshire who need vehicle access to Cambridge. 

“We need a solution that provides cheap, attractive turn up and go travel.  We can and we must do better.”  

They also highlighted the large reliance on cars to access employment, education and services in and around Cambridge. 

Councillors also voiced concerns that the GCP doesn’t seem to have thought about the impact introducing a congestion charge will have on the local economy. 

Councillors would like the GCP to work with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to investigate a more “transformational alternative” including reconsideration of autonomous vehicles, tunnelling under Cambridge and light rail. 

A GCP spokesperson said: “Cambridge has some of the worst congestion in the UK and with thousands of new homes and jobs being created across the region over the next decade, traffic will only get worse. 

“This is why we are putting forward proposals to create a London-style transport network with cheaper, more frequent buses to more locations operating from 5am until 1am, as well as more walking and cycling networks funded by a charge on vehicles driving in, out, and around the city.” 

ECDC called for immediate further investment into cycling infrastructure in Cambridge city and beyond and for the CPCA to expedite the business case for an enhanced bus partnership or franchising to help sort out the current bus network with a focus on the rural areas for public subsidy. 

As well as asking the relevant authorities to “rapidly” pursue railway projects that will improve rail services from the newly built Soham Station and services on the Cambridge – Newmarket – Ipswich line.