Action must be taken on traffic gridlock

LIBERAL Democrat councillors say immediate action must be taken on traffic gridlock in Ely now that bypass plans for the city seem unrealistic.

Councillors have insisted that alternative plans be investigated after secretary of state for transport Douglas Alexander confirmed in August that a bypass scheme to halve traffic on the A142 would not receive funding.

County councillor Nigel Bell, who represents Ely north and west said: "The secretary of state has refused to look at funding for at least another 10 years - we can't simply allow this situation to fester for that length of time and something must be done to improve traffic flow at Ely's train station in the interim."

Cllr Bell said he has insisted the joint area transport committee investigates the issue at its next meeting in April.

"There's a whole raft of things we could consider, from mini roundabouts to changing the traffic priorities. With the creation of a new transport interchange we must also consider improving access into the Railway Station," he said.

A joint statement from both the district and county council said that the bypass scheme is still alive and well.

"Both Cambridgeshire County Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council are committed to progressing with the Ely Southern Bypass," it said.

"The County Council is pursuing a number of alternative sources of funding for the scheme, including through the Government's Transport Innovation Fund - A joint review of Ely's Transport Strategy is due this year and will include further investigations into any practical interim measures to reduce congestion around the Station and level crossing area while the by-pass scheme continues to be progressed.