Protestors 'get in the way' as Mill Road bridge bus gate works begin

A group of Cambridge protestors disrupted scheduled roadworks on Mill Road bridge on Monday (November 11). Several protestors associated with campaign groups Friends of Mill Road Bridge 2 and Cambs against Congestion Charge prevented workmen from putting barriers across the road, while one person chained himself to a work van.

The works scheduled to start on Monday will involve resurfacing, installing signage, cameras, lining, and road markings to warn drivers of future bus gate restrictions, according to Cambridgeshire County Council. New traffic islands which are unrelated to the bus gate works will also be added either side of the bridge.

A modal filter for the bridge was approved at a Cambridgeshire County Council meeting in October, meaning the bridge will be closed to most vehicles with restrictions enforced by ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras. The bridge will remain open to buses, pedestrians, cyclists, emergency services, and blue badge holders registered vehicles.

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One of the protestors told CambridgeshireLive: "It was nonviolent direct action. We simply got in the way when the workmen tried to put barriers across the road. There were two groups, one at each end of the bridge."

They added: "Our aim is to delay the work, as we have an ongoing legal challenge. We think they should wait until the result of the challenge before going ahead with anything to do with this closure."

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: "There were protestors on Mill Road last night and police were in attendance. We will be continuing with the works."

Friends of Mill Road Bridge 2 said the group is pursuing a second legal claim against the installation of the bus gate, after the county council ended its defence against a previous challenge. The group has sent a pre-action letter to the county council, which the authority has received and reviewed.

Campaign group Mill Road 4 People supports the installation of the bus gate. A spokesperson said: "We were saddened to see protesters prevent the start of safety works on Mill Road bridge last night.

"These protesters have not made a single suggestion for improving Mill Road. Their sole objective is unimpeded car access, and they appear to be content with Mill Road remaining a traffic-clogged street with nothing done to make it pleasant and accessible for everyone."

A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson confirmed officers attended the 'peaceful' protest. No arrests were made and no crimes were reported.