Agenda item

The Transport Director presented the report which set out the review of work undertaken on the Foxton Level Crossing and rail parking options in the vicinity of Foxton station. The Joint Assembly was informed that a bypass could be built; but if this was done this would be a bridge rather than an underpass. The Joint Assembly was also informed that there may be a pressing need for parking in the area, given the growth in rail passengers in the last decade.

Dr Andy Williams welcomed the report and highlighted the lack of feedback from local residents; he suggested public consultation was needed. Councillor Topping echoed this point, emphasising the significant impact this scheme would have on Foxton.  He informed the Joint Assembly that a discussion had taken place between the Chairman of Foxton Parish Council and GCP officers. Given the scale of economic development in South Cambridgeshire, anomalies such as the level crossing barrier at Foxton would have to be addressed. A coherent package of measures was needed.

Councillor Dave Baigent raised concern about removing the level crossing as the delay caused by the crossing restricted traffic entering Cambridge; he felt that removing this would encourage more cars to enter the city. He suggested a serious rethink of this scheme was needed.

Dr Wells echoed Councillor Baigent’s view. He pointed out that the entrance to the park and rail would be blocked by traffic queuing at the level crossing, therefore the options set out in the report were not independent. This was acknowledged by the Transport Director.

Councillor Kavanagh highlighted that cyclists and their needs along this route needed to be kept in mind. He pointed out that their numbers would increase and an investment in a bridge bypassing the level crossing would benefit them, particularly if it had a segregated cycle path. He also pointed out that the current level crossing may be impeding the progress of emergency vehicles.

Christopher Walkinshaw expressed support for the scheme, suggesting that Foxton was a significant opportunity to establish park and rail. He raised concern that level crossings could restrict the capacity of the rail line, which should not be overlooked. In response to this the Transport Director informed the Joint Assembly that he was not aware that this level crossing negatively impacted capacity of the railway. This may however change if East/West rail came to the area.

Councillor Sollom informed the Joint Assembly that local residents welcomed interventions to reduce traffic; however they were concerned about the potential removal of the level crossing which currently enabled them to exit their driveways and side streets when it was down, as it stopped the traffic. He suggested the GCP needed to think about how to make things easier for cyclists and queried what the impact of the proposals would be on East/West rail. The Transport Director informed the Joint Assembly that there would be significant implications on East/West rail, which would have to be reviewed. 

Helen Valentine expressed her support for both interventions, suggesting park and rail would need to come before the bypass though both should be moved forward as quickly as possible.

The Chairperson summarised the Joint Assembly’s discussion, highlighting that there was a mix of incompatible views.