Do you feel there’s too much traffic on the roads? Poor provision of public transport? Not enough sustainable solutions across the city?
Some of these issues are likely to have crossed our minds at some point in time and it can be frustrating for people who are affected, especially if we feel nothing is being done about it.
Peterborough is the number one fastest-growing city by population, according to the Peterborough Investment Partnership, so it’s no surprise that the numbers of cars on the roads create a cause for concern within the city centre. In fact, the annual growth rate of our city is currently at 1.6%, meaning that the demand for road space will only be rising.
This is the reality and this is why we need to choose a suitable figurehead to lead the way for change in sustainability issues within our city.
The new Mayor for the combined Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Authority, which will be set up as a result of a devolution deal, will have the influence to help solve these issues. The deal has been agreed in order to inject more money into both the Peterborough and Cambridge economy.
A significant benefit of the devolution deal, negotiated with the government, is a new £600 million fund to support economic growth, development of local infrastructure and provide jobs, which will also include major investment in transport schemes.
Cambridgeshire County Council Leader Steve Count, who is also Chairman of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Devolution Partnership, has said: “It will mean we can invest in new homes, better transport and boost the local economy. We have a chance locally to increase skills, jobs and tackle deprivation.”
To account for the growing transport demands of our city, a strategy needs to be put forward which looks to tackle the issues of traffic congestion, transport infrastructure and accessibility, in addition to the provision of sustainable transport substitutes to encourage greater modal shifts.
As a city, we need to take responsibility for ensuring that we vote in the upcoming Mayoral Elections if we want to have a say in these issues. We must not ignore the important role the Mayor has in chairing the Combined Authority and the power that they will possess in influencing investment decisions across the two cities.
To register to vote please visit: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
To find out more information about the combined authority, please visit:
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/devolution
Michaela Anthony is the Digital Marketing Apprentice at PECT.