New rules limit cars on Mill Road bridge in Cambridge, raising shop owner concerns about declining customer traffic.
Local shops say people avoid the area, and one owner believes it’s like a plague. Only certain cars can use the bridge. Even before fines, shops feel the impact.
John Ball owns Cut Price Carpets. He says Mill Road feels empty and fears shops may close soon. His own business could close, too, because fewer people are visiting the stores.
Neil Shailer is on the council’s transport team. He says Mill Road is still open; buses, walkers, and bikes can use it. Emergency cars and taxis are allowed, like blue badge ones, giving people time to adjust. They hope to stop drivers from crossing the bridge.
One commenter says one side feels empty, yet traffic remains on the other side. Parking got worse near the old Tesco, and a roundabout has bad traffic, too. Shops are hidden from passing cars. People can’t shop where they can’t see, so they want a party to reopen the bridge.
Another person likes the bridge plan, saying Mill Road was too busy with traffic. It was meant for horse carts, and they hope residents have peace and quiet. It should also be more eco-friendly.
Someone else visited the antique shop. They walked there after taking the train and visited other shops too. Too much traffic kept them away before.
A commenter said people live close by, so shops should sell what people want. They must also price it right; struggling shops don’t know business. Passing cars didn’t shop there much; it was a shortcut, not a market.
Another thinks most can’t shop there daily and want varied, cheaper shops. Students mainly shop on Mill Road, but the road is empty during holidays. Taxes rise in April, tightening budgets, and most locals didn’t want the closure.
One person likes the change; they drive to work and see fewer people.
Another thinks it needs a rebuild. It was vibrant with useful shops in the 70s, but now, it has many charity shops and cafes.
Someone asks if passing cars helped shops since cars cannot stop and there is no parking.