‘Thousands’ of protesters rally in Cambridge to oppose £5 congestion charge

‘Thousands’ of protestors rallied in Cambridge today to oppose a £5 congestion charge spanning almost the entire city. 

The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) wants to introduce a charge for any weekday journeys to, from and within a zone covering the vast majority of Cambridge. 

Vehicles that drive in the zone between 07:00 and 19:00 on weekdays will have to pay a daily charge of at least £5. 

Protestors, who gathered on Parker’s Piece in Cambridge earlier today, believe the charge will impact the less well-off – including key workers who cannot afford to live in the expensive centre of Cambridge. 

They say the potential £1,300 annual cost by car is unaffordable, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. 

‘Thousands’ of protestors rallied in Cambridge today to oppose a £5 congestion charge spanning almost the entire city

The GCP wants to introduce a £5 car charge for any weekday journeys to, from and within a zone that covers the vast majority of Cambridge

Protestors gathered on Parker’s Piece in Cambridge earlier today, saying the potential £1,300 annual charge is unaffordable for many, especially during a cost-of-living crisis

Local shop owner Neil Mckay (pictured) spoke to the gathered protestors on Parkers Piece in Cambridge today

Meanwhile, supporters of the charge say it will help pay for public transport and improve air quality. 

The money raised will be used to pay for a £50m bus network expansion, according to the BBC – hoping to create a ‘London-style’ service as well as improving infrastructure for walking and cycling. 

Campaigner Josh Grantham said: ‘Most people in Cambridge want improved buses and cycling. This provides funding for both of those things.’ 

Local shop owner Neil Mckay spoke to the gathered protestors in Cambridge – a city already said to be one of the least equal cities in terms of the gap between the rich and poor.  

Attending the protest today, Alan D Miller, co-founder of Together Declaration, wrote on Twitter: ‘Locals have demonstrated brilliantly how to organise & challenge.’

He added: ‘Have a Referendum Or stop it now @CambsCC.

‘Huge protest with wide range of fantastic speakers & attendees.’ 

The Sustainable Travel Zone is planned to go live in 2027/28. 

MailOnline has contacted Greater Cambridge Partnership for comment.  

Vehicles that drive in the zone between 07:00 and 19:00 on weekdays will have to pay a daily charge of at least £5

They think the potential £1,300 annual cost by car is unaffordable for many, especially during a cost-of-living crisis