New £100k study will look at ways to improve Peterborough’s transport systems

Peterborough City Council plans to use the money to undertake a series of studies to look at all forms of transport in the region.
The idea is to determine which schemes are viable for further development, will help with congestion, improve road safety and bring economic value as the city continues to grow.
At meeting of the CPCA Board (Wednesday, June 3), Anna Graham, Portfolio Manager for Highways England, said: “We want to bring forward transport plans that will help to relieve congestion and enhance the economic growth of Peterborough.
“Among the studies being looked at are Smart City Sensors that will help traffic flow more easily, congestion hotspots with live reporting on traffic delays, a Peterborough-wide road safety review that ranks key accident sites and looks at how to solve traffic issues at them.
“There will also be a Hospital Access study looking at a series of highways improvement options and their viability with the likely benefit that could be added to future highways development in the city.
“Funds will also be made available for a Consortium of East Coast Mainline Authorities with the goal of having Peterborough trains running flawlessly to London in 40 minutes or under.
“Such a transport link could have a transformative impact of the economic future of Peterborough and the surrounding area”.
Cllr Kevin Price (Labour, Cambridge City Council) asked a question on behalf of the CPCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee members: “There’s an increased emphasis on active transport modes and an increased level of importance attached to cycling walking and equestrian transport as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. What steps are being taken to prioritise active travel, not only in the light of COVID-19, but more generally?”.
Metro Mayor, James Palmer said: “Active travel is a priority for the CPCA and for our local transport planning.
“The effects of COVID-19 on travel choices have made urgent short-term interventions necessary, despite having to travel only if necessary. 
“I asked the Highways authorities to develop a package of such measures at the beginning of May and I have to commend them and their Highways teams at just how quickly they’ve managed to get this work to the government and the Prime Minister.
“The first of the measures from those packages are already being implemented … and I certainly hope to be able to draw down more money from the government in future from their support of active travel.”
Members of the Board approved the release of £100k to fund the transport infrastructure studies in Peterborough.

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