The Issue
Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council

Born in Cambridge and having lived here all my life, I've watched our city change enormously. Change is inevitable, and many improvements have benefited Cambridge. However, many residents now feel the overall direction of transport, planning and development is making the city harder to access, harder to move around and less practical for the people who live, work and visit here.

Cambridge is one of the world's leading centres for education, science and innovation, and that success should be celebrated. But Cambridge is not London. We do not have an Underground network or the transport infrastructure of a major capital city. Many residents, carers, tradespeople, workers, families and visitors still rely on roads for everyday life. Cambridge needs solutions that reflect its own unique character and infrastructure, not simply approaches designed for much larger cities.

This petition calls for a full independent review of the overall impact of transport policies, planning decisions and major developments on the future of Cambridge.

This is about far more than traffic.

It is about whether Cambridge is being planned in a balanced way that works for everyone.

Many residents are concerned about:

• Increasing congestion and ongoing changes to the road network.
• The loss of affordable and accessible shops, forcing more local people to travel to surrounding towns for everyday shopping.
• Independent retailers struggling while the city centre offers fewer reasons for local people to shop there.
• Increasing numbers of retail premises being replaced by offices and laboratories, changing the balance and purpose of the city centre.
• Large-scale housing developments placing additional pressure on roads, healthcare, schools, parking and other essential services.
• Rising housing costs making it increasingly difficult for younger people and families to remain close to their relatives and the communities they grew up in.
• The impact these combined changes are having on local businesses, residents, visitors and the long-term character of Cambridge.

Cambridge's science and technology sector is one of the city's greatest strengths and should continue to thrive. However, many residents believe there needs to be a better balance between commercial development and the everyday needs of local communities.

Offices and laboratories are essential to Cambridge's success, but many people feel future growth should also consider suitable locations outside the historic city centre, allowing the centre to continue providing the shops, services and facilities that local residents depend on.

A vibrant city centre should remain a place where people can shop, meet friends, access services and enjoy their city. Supporting independent businesses, encouraging affordable shopping and improving accessibility are all important if Cambridge is to remain a city that works for the people who live here.

Many residents believe Cambridge should focus on getting the basics right first - maintaining roads and pavements, supporting local businesses, protecting accessible shopping, providing adequate infrastructure and ensuring public services keep pace with growth - before introducing further major schemes.

Many residents also believe that while each transport scheme or development is assessed individually, there has never been an independent assessment of their combined effect on congestion, accessibility, local businesses, community life and the long-term future of Cambridge.

This petition is not against progress.

It supports sustainable growth, better public transport, safer cycling, cleaner air and continued investment in Cambridge's world-leading economy. But progress should also be balanced, practical and supported by the infrastructure and services needed for a growing city.

Cambridge should be planned with the people and for the people. Local residents deserve meaningful consultation, transparent decision-making and confidence that the overall impact of major changes is being properly considered before further schemes and developments are introduced.

More than 1,160 people have already signed because they believe Cambridge deserves a future that is accessible, balanced, prosperous and works for everyone.

If you share these concerns, please sign and share this petition.

• Together, we can help shape a Cambridge that continues to be a thriving city for residents, businesses and future generations alike.