Can we reduce traffic congestion in Trumpington?

When I’m out canvassing with other members of the Trumpington Labour team I often hear complaints about traffic congestion in Trumpington, and we are determined to do something to reduce tailbacks and improve circulation – getting cars moving is good for air quality, good for residents and good for Cambridge.

One source of the queues on Trumpington High Street is cars trying to turn right into Waitrose, and the lack of a pedestrian crossing also makes it dangerous for those on foot.

We are considering proposals for action here, including better enforcement, turning restrictions and clearer road markings – but we’d like to hear from you.

No solution is easy, but together can come up with a plan. Please get in touch with your views, whether you’re trying to walk to school or work, need to drive in or out of Cambridge, or just want to ensure that the Trumpington air is breathable!

Noisy roadworks a matter of concern

Resurfacing notice
Resurfacing notice

Over the last two weeks the road surface on Long Road, near where I live, has been resurfaced. The work needed to be done, and it’s made the road a lot nicer to cycle and drive on.

However in our regular canvassing sessions this weekend we talked to a number of local residents who had several disturbed nights because of the noise of machinery, including angle grinders.

It’s always difficult to balance the interests of different groups, and it’s clear that doing the bulk of the roadworks overnight when there’s little traffic makes sense. However as an architect I know how to design a schedule to minimise disruption to everyone involved – and I wonder if a more thoughtful plan for the noisy works might have been put in place.

If elected, one of the things I will bring to my role as a County Councillor is an awareness of such issues, based on thirty years as a practising architect.

Canvassing Sunday

As it was a sunny Sunday afternoon our canvassing today was lots of fun – and very good exercise, according to my Fitbit.

Poor drainage by the bus stop
Poor drainage by the bus stop

One of the issues raised was the poor drainage on the roads beside bus stops on Trumpington Road – something I could see when I went to have a look later. As an architect I design drainage, and I’m going to look into this one.

Roadworks on Long Road
Roadworks on Long Road

I live off Long Road, and my family and I cycle everywhere, so I’m pleased to see that the road will be improved for cyclists. I believe that this is also good for car users, as it makes things safer for everyone.

Our great canvassing team!
Our great canvassing team!

It’s been wonderful to have support from local Labour Party members on these canvassing sessions – if you’d like to join me, drop me an email and I’ll let you know where and when to meet.

 

Campaigning on Sunday

A bright, canvassing, Katie
A bright, canvassing, Katie

Every fortnight a Labour team spends some of Sunday afternoon in Trumpington Ward knocking on doors and asking people about local issues that concern them, so we can refer matters to our council team where they can help, or at least find out more about problems that people face.

Traffic congestion, graffiti and broken pavements were all issues raised last Sunday when we visited Bishop’s Road, and I’ve already been in touch with councillors and officers to see what can be done to help.

We’ll be back again on Sunday 11th – and if the weather is as cold as it was last weekend I’ll be wearing my bright orange jacket, so you should spot me from a long way away – do come and say hello!

Bus route plan ‘cuts off’ Homerton College

Universal bus logo
Universal bus logo

I’ve been hearing and reading about the students and faculty members at Homerton College on Hills Road being ‘cut off’ by a proposed re-routing of the Uni4 bus route.

Buses are the primary public transport service in Cambridge and vital for people with any mobility problems so it’s important that Cambridge University hears that this is a bad decision!

You can read more about it here
http://thetab.com/…/20…/10/06/homerton-cut-off-society-81100

and here:

http://www.cam.ac.uk/…/better-connected-the-new-university-…

I have signed a petition set up by a student.  Will you sign it too? Check it out here:

https://www.change.org/p/university-of-cambridge-stop-homer…