Peterborough City Council’s proposals to introduce bus gates on Apollo Avenue and Bellona Drive in Cardea have caused a heated debate among Stanground residentsDavid Prince and Cambridgeshire Live readers05:39, 23 May 2026Proposed new bus gates may see traffic restrictions on Apollo Avenue in Cardea(Image: Google)Readers of CambridgeshireLive have been discussing proposals for new bus gates and additional camera enforcement. Numerous comments centre on penalties, signage, residential access, and whether the measures will improve air quality and traffic flow. Some support the changes, while others argue they will complicate everyday journeys.Vehicle and motorcycle access to residential streets within a Stanground estate are set to face restrictions, according to proposals. Plans published by Peterborough City Council reveal that bus gates are to be introduced on both Apollo Avenue and Bellona Drive in Cardea.A bus gate is a brief, camera-monitored stretch of road limited to buses, cyclists, and authorised vehicles such as taxis. These gates are intended to create ‘shortcuts’ for public transport by preventing general traffic from passing through, with the aim of reducing congestion and enhancing air quality.The proposals state: “The effect of this Order is to restrict the use of the following roads to Local Buses, Taxis and Pedal Cycles, at all times: Apollo Avenue from its junction with Peterborough Road to a point 30m east of that junction, Bellona Drive between the roundabout at its junction with Whittlesey Road and its junction with Constantine Drive.”One reader, Freddly quotes: “The council said: ‘Offending motorists will receive a warning notice first within six months of the enforcement commencing.’ Why? If they don’t understand the signs, or they think they can get away with it, they need to be fined from day 1. They are a liability to the rest of us, and are concerned only with themselves.”Skipper says: “Cannot blame them for acting on principle to object to yet more of their roads being closed to them.”Rhodabike quotes: ” ‘In the hope that congestion will be reduced and air quality improved.’ So it’s not even based on facts, research or reasoning, but just a ‘hope’. In other words, pure fantasy.”Whynot2 asks: “Why are they a liability to you? Have you ever been to Cardea? Have you ever been to Stanground? People have been using that road for a while now, and sometimes a habit is hard to break, so don’t say that they are only concerned about themselves if you don’t know the area!”Calumen Nomen says: “If they fix cameras as quickly as they fix potholes, we’ve got nothing to worry about :)”Garyblowpants writes: “We need many more of these proven schemes throughout the country! Reducing congestion, improving air quality, and reducing jams. It’s what everyone wants. Ignore the small but vocal pro-congestion lobby.”While over on our Facebook page, Greg B comments: “How is it environmentally friendly to make numerous cars drive around to get off the estate, when the road they need is on the other side of a gate? And Peterborough calls itself an environmental capital?”Viki S states: “People who live there and are visiting need to access, surely?”Barbara E writes: “I understand bus gates and appreciate them in some areas. However, it would be nice if they were able to be used in the areas by those who live directly adjacent to them and are most affected by them. For example, in Cambridge, the bus gate by Christ’s Pieces and New Square. Why can’t that be accessed by Kite neighbourhood residents who have parking passes to park in that area (because they LIVE there)? Instead, they are forced to deal with going around, all the hills and traffic every day. Additionally, do all bus gates need to be 24-hour enforced when the buses here do not even run 24 hours?”Do you agree with the proposed bus gate plans? Comment below of HERE to join in the conversation.
Bus gate plans slammed for being ‘pure fantasy’
