The Mill Road bridge bus gate in Cambridge will not be introduced until the legal challenge against the plans has been resolved.

The campaign group the Friends of Mill Road Bridge launched a legal challenge against the partial bridge closure arguing people need to be able to drive across the bridge.

The bridge is due to be closed for two weeks in September for roadworks to be completed, but Cambridgeshire County Council has said these works will not include the infrastructure needed to implement the actual bus gate.

The county council approved plans in March this year to restrict who can cross Mill Road bridge.

Under the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), cars and other motor vehicles will be banned from crossing; buses, cyclists, emergency services, taxis, and blue badge holders, will still be able to use the bridge.

The authority said it hoped the restrictions would encourage people to choose ‘sustainable travel options’, such as cycling and walking.

Drivers who are not exempt could face fines for travelling through the bus gate, which is expected to be enforced by automatic number plate recognition cameras.

The restrictions were hoped to be put in place this summer, but have been delayed after legal action against the bus gate was launched by the group the Friends of Mill Road Bridge earlier this year.

The group has been fundraising the money needed for its legal fees and has raised over £4,300 at the time of writing.

The campaign group has said it wants to see the TRO “quashed entirely”. On its fundraising page the group said: “Too many residents, workers, and traders all across the county need to be able to drive over the bridge without incurring fines.

“Train station, hospital visits, the list of local needs filled quickly by bridge access is infinite.

“Rerouting drivers to Coldham’s Lane or Hills Road will only displace traffic and snarl up traffic nearby.”

Mill Road bridge is due to be closed between September 25, and October 6, to allow for road works to take place.

However, the county council has said these works will not include the infrastructure needed to implement the bus gate.

It also confirmed the bus gate restrictions would not be implemented until the legal challenge had been resolved.

A county council spokesperson said: “We have received a legal challenge regarding the Mill Road Bridge decision. We have responded to the claim and are waiting for the court to determine the outcome of the challenge.

“In the meantime, we will be implementing some traffic calming on Mill Road – this will include installing a central traffic island and kerb realignment between Devonshire Road and Headly Street, as well as white lining and cycle symbols on the bridge. The work is due to start by the end of September and more details will follow.

“The above work does not include the infrastructure needed to implement the bus gate traffic restrictions.”

While some are campaigning to keep the bridge fully open, others support the restrictions. The campaign group Mill Road for People has said it is “disappointed” at the potential delay to the new bus gate, and urged the county council to “respect the democratic mandate and stick to the agreed plan”.