CambridgeshireLive readers have been reacting to news that more than £1 million in fines have been issued to drivers caught illegally using the Mill Road bridge bus gate in CambridgeDavid Prince and Cambridgeshire Live readers05:04, 09 May 2026The bus gate on Mill Road in Cambridge(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)CambridgeshireLive readers have responded with strong opinions to reports that penalties have reached approximately £1 million for Mill Road’s bus gate and traffic restrictions. Much of the discussion centred on which vehicles should be permitted through, enforcement methods, and the actual sum collected.Drivers have been issued with more than £1 million worth of penalties for unlawfully using a bus gate introduced last year. The Mill Road bridge bus gate in Cambridge became operational on March 11, 2025, prohibiting all vehicles apart from buses, emergency services, taxis and registered blue badge holders from travelling the entire length of the road.A Freedom of Information request lodged by the Local Democracy Reporting Service shows that thousands of penalties have been handed out in the year since its introduction. Cambridgeshire County Council has issued a total of 15,483 fines to motorists as of April 29 – amounting to a potential total value of £1,083,810. This figure excludes any reductions applied – such as the 50 per cent discount if the penalty is settled within three weeks. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council stated the restrictions are “clearly signposted” and help make Mill Road an “enjoyable” and “safe place to visit”.One reader, Calumen Nomen questions: “A Blue Badge is linked to the person, not the vehicle, and can be used in any car where the badge holder is traveling as a driver or passenger. So how does the Council enforce this?”Cybercool feels: “Best thing ever to happen! Now – £1 million in fines, but how much of that has been paid – a MUCH more interesting question to ponder on!”Freddly says: “Anyone who fails to see that this is a bus-gate, or thinks they can get away with it, needs to pay a lot more than £35, because they are certainly breaking many other driving regulations intended to keep the rest of us safe. The council’s reasons for these gates are entirely correct and well stated.Welshknight comments: “Excellent. Increase the fines.”Skipper quotes: “They said: ‘Mill Road bridge is open to buses, those walking, wheeling, and cycling, emergency services, taxis, and vehicles that are exempt, such as those being driven by blue badge holders.’ Basically, then, anything but car drivers, who pay the most tax for road use.”Camssurvivor adds: “It’s all very well issuing fines, but how many are being paid? Perhaps the council could say the amount received, or the percentage paid.”Over on our Facebook page, Roy S comments: “Kerrrchinggg and that is what it was all about!”James R says: “No doubt they are using the money to fix the roads.”John M writes: “Now you know why they shut it just to make money. In many cases, with roadworks on alternative routes.”John Ms believes: “Mill Road continues to thrive since the bus gate was introduced and new businesses are opening.”How do you feel about the Mill Road bus gate a year on? Comment below or HERE to have your say.
Cambridge bus gate fines top £1m – readers call to ‘increase the fines’
