Some have said that they have seen a negative impact on their businesses, while others said that it has made a positive effect on the area by reducing congestion
A controversial Cambridge bus gate continues to divide opinions nearly a year after it came into operation. Cambridgeshire County Council installed a permanent bus gate on Mill Road in 2025, with the first fines being issued from March.
The bus gate prevents all non-exempt vehicles passing through, meaning that they must use alternative routes. Those who breach this are issued with a Penalty Charge Notice of £70, discounted to £35 if paid within 21 days. Those exempt who can pass through without receiving a fine include buses, taxis, cyclists, and emergency vehicles.
More than 4,600 fines were issued in the first seven weeks after the bus gate was made operational, according a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Local Democracy Service. Nearly a year since the bus gate was introduced, we headed to Mill Road to find out what people now think about the bus gate.
A 23-year-old, who asked not to be named, works at Hilary’s Greengrocers. He claimed that some places on Mill Road have lost more than half of their business since the bridge closed to private vehicles.
“It has actually been a big problem”, he added. He said that he finds that there have been fewer people on the road, and said sometimes “you won’t be able to see a single person around here”.
A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We want Mill Road to be an enjoyable, safe place to visit, where local businesses are supported. Mill Road bridge is open to buses, those walking, wheeling, and cycling, emergency services, taxis, and vehicles that are exempt, such as those being driven by blue badge holders.”
A 50-year-old lady who gave her name as Guzel runs a business in Mill Road. She said that it has “really badly affected us” and in her opinion “it is pointless because for people using a car, when the bridge was open, it was a shortcut but otherwise they are going triple [the amount of] time to reach the other side”. Guzel said that she hopes for a good environment and fresh air. However, this “was not my solution”, she said.
Others have said that the bus gate has made a positive impact. Mill Road For People (MR4P), a group of local residents and traders, said: “One year on from the implementation of the Mill Road bus gate, we have seen a big reduction in congestion (especially on the Romsey side), cleaner air, and fewer collisions.
“There has also been a significant rise in the number of people walking and cycling, with all the health and environmental benefits that brings.” The group continued: “Many people have told us that they feel safer walking and cycling, especially with their children, building up healthy habits for the future.”
Steve Bezzant, 55, runs The Retro Shed on Mill Road. He said that “people are still coming up with push bikes or walking, so even now, it is not really affecting me.” He added: “I get most people coming in, just walking in. If they need to have a car here, they can put it there [near his store], so it hasn’t really affected me.“
Jake, who asked to use only his first name, works at Halls of Cambridge. He said that the bus gate “has slowed down business a bit more for traders than the general public“.
Rather than improving traffic, Jake believes that “it just puts congestion elsewhere“. He said that it he is not personally affected by the bus gate because he doesn’t come from that way.
A 35-year-old who works at Ocean Supermarket said that “people avoid coming here to pick up their groceries” and they “avoid coming to this area to avoid traffic”.
The Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson added: “We are currently working with our partners to explore options for future public realm improvements for Mill Road. Over the next year, we will be hosting several public events and stakeholder meetings to bring forward ideas for the street that align with the requirements of local community groups, as well as businesses, faith organisations, and charities.”