Motorists furious at ‘draconian’ plans to charge them up to £1,300 to drive in city
FURIOUS motorists blasted a "draconian" new congestion charge that could cost them up to £1,300 to drive in their city.
Cambridge residents are outraged at plans to introduce a £5 weekday congestion charge covering most of the city and feel the council is "against motorists".
This "very selfish" fee will add up to a potential £1,300 per year which has sparked fury among motorists amid the cost of living crisis.
A disgraced resident told : "Those in support will be those who live within Cambridge and can cycle, very selfish.
"The GCP is a waste-of-money, it should be abolished."
Some people have claimed they will leave the city as the charge is too steep and felt the scheme is targeted towards those struggling most in the community.
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Outraged at the idea, one person commented: "Why are all these councils against motorists?"
"They still want to squeeze every last penny from the working class, and destroying completely what's been left after two years of nonsense," another added.
Another resident said: "It will be dressed up as something needed to ease traffic problems in town, but they won't mention that 99.9% of traffic problems have been caused by terrible traffic management decisions and plans green lit by councils."
Others have blasted the congestion charge as they believe it will put vulnerable people at risk of missing hospital appointments.
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A Cambridge business owner commented: "I live in Cambridge and work in Cambridge, I run a business and I need my vans to carry out my business.
"Unlike a lot of people think, I can not use a bike for my work, only traffic problems in Cambridge are caused by the council they have no idea apart from its all about money."
There is a common opinion among disheartened motorists that the new plan has been pushed by cyclists and e-scooter enthusiasts.
Organisers who have created a petition to stop the congestion charge said: "[It would] do nothing to help congestion as most drivers especially those whose journeys start from outside the city have very little option but to drive for work or carry out their business."
Why are all these councils against motorists?
Furious resident
Nearly 16,000 have already signed the petition.
However, there is some support for the GCP from people who believe it will help make the city greener.
A supporter said: "This absolutely needed to happen many years ago.
"It will help reduce congestion and pollution as it has in London and open up the way for greener transport and better bus services."
"Nothing left to whine about then! Let's get it implemented right away! Get the lazy drivers OUT of Cambs!" A second added.
The GCP have said the new measure is to "significantly improve how people travel" around the city.
The £5 charge is to be introduced by 2027-28, which would affect private vehicles between 7am and 7pm on weekdays.
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As reported by the , Labour councillor Elisa Meschini, chair of the GCP's executive board, said: "Time and again we have been told to 'be bold' and 'take action' to tackle the traffic clogging up our roads and the effects of climate change.
"These proposals represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to truly transform the way we all travel around the region."