'No congestion charge' vow from city council leader

The majority of the parties on Peterborough City Council including Labour, Peterborough First and Liberal Democrats have refused a congestion charge

A council leader has promised that a congestion charge will not be introduced during his tenure.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s board has approved a proposed Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) at the third time of trying.

The transport plan, to “deliver a modern, safe, and integrated transport system” to the area, was voted through at a board meeting on Wednesday.

Peterborough City Council leader, Peterborough First's Mohammed Farooq, voted for the amended plan, saying "congestion charging won't happen" under his leadership.

However, Liberat Democrat Councillor Bridget Smith argued that "there is no other substantial revenue system to pay for the public transport we hear time and time again residents want.”

City Council leader Mohammed Farooq voted in favour of the Combined Authority transport plans

The CPCA plan has six main goals, including helping to increase productivity, improving connectivity between communities, reducing emissions to net zero by 2050, protecting the environment with a "well-planned" transport network, helping people make "healthier journeys" - and improving safety.

Former Peterborough council leader Wayne Fitzgerald voted against the plan twice, fearing road users would be charged.

But the CPCA Labour mayor Nik Johnson, who derred the decision on whether to approve the plan back in May, said it was a "false rumour".

'Huge aspirations'

Councillor Farooq told the BBC: "There's so much investment coming from the government through Combined Authority for Peterborough and it's right to work with them.

"We have huge aspirations for growth in the city. The plan sets out clearly how we will provide transport options which will meet everyone's needs.

"There has been commentary in recent months about the updated LTCP opening the door to ultra low emission zones (Ulez) or other schemes which penalise motorists.

"The plan I have voted for clearly states that it can only be introduced if approved and endorsed by the city council and I can confirm there are no plans to bring forward such schemes in Peterborough.

"Peterborough's air quality thankfully is not that bad either which would prompt this charge. So, we hope it makes it clear now."