Press Releases and Highways Highlights

A major upgrade of this important road between Colchester and Braintree is now in the critical stages of preparation for Government to make a final decision.

The long-awaited improvement scheme, which is predicted to bring a £2.2 billion economic boost to the region, is being taken forward by Highways England after the Government announced funding to progress the project earlier this year.  

Priti Patel, MP for Witham, who is at the forefront of the campaign for the new road, said: “It is good news that the Government is aware of the importance of dualling the A120 but there is more work to do to ensure a fully-funded scheme can be delivered this decade.  

“The overwhelming support for the A120 has helped get the proposals this far and we need to continue to work together and collectively to push the A120 even higher up the Government’s agenda.”  

The virtual meeting of MPs, local politicians, business and community representatives heard a preferred route for the dual carriageway could be announced at the end of next year.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, who hosted the progress meeting, said: “I am pleased we now have the combined weight of the Department for Transport and Highways England progressing delivery of this much-needed scheme, which I now very much hope will become a reality in the next three or four years.  

“The A120 upgrade is vital to solve issues from congestion, delays, poor resilience and safety to poor air quality and noise from lorries in local villages. Plus, the scheme is equally important to bring about business expansion, new jobs and housing.”  

The proposed dual carriageway, from Braintree to the A12, is predicted to trigger 20,000 new jobs, a £350 million benefit to freight traffic and journey time savings running to a value of approximately £1.2 billion.  

Businesses, attending the meeting, re-emphasised the importance of the new road, particularly as part of their recovery from Covid-19 and post-Brexit.

Trevor Scott, Managing Director of local worldwide logistics company Simarco and a Director of Success Essex Connected Economy, said: “The business benefits of an upgraded A120 are widely known and we must do all we can to bring them about.  

“In Essex businesses have been hit hard by Covid-19 and the younger generation has been particularly badly affected by job losses. It is essential to build back economic resilience and the A120 can be a key part of that.”  

David Burch, Director of Policy at Essex Chambers of Commerce, said the importance of the A120 for businesses could not be understated. He said: “The road network is good if you are travelling north-south but heading east-west it is dire. We know the hold-ups our members experience and the effect it has, not just in terms of time but also money and business lost.  

“We want to build back after Covid-19 and Brexit and we need to have a modern efficient road network across the county to do that.”  

Essex County Council, working with Essex commercial partner Spin and district, borough and city councils and Essex Police is leading on the electric scooter, popularly known as e-scooter, trials as part of its Safer, Greener, Healthier transport campaign.  

With pilot approval from the Department of Transport now obtained, and final conversations with the six district, borough and city councils underway, the innovative Essex trials will hopefully see Spin, a company owned by Ford, provide and manage an e-scooter rental system in defined areas of Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Clacton, Chelmsford and Colchester.

These trials will start small scale and be constantly evaluated before any expansion takes place. Essex County Council will have strong feedback channels and be monitoring and adjusting each pilot trial as time progresses.

Safety is of the utmost importance in these trials and Essex County Council, Essex Police and all partners from district, city and borough councils are committed to ensuring the safety of all road-users. Essex Police will continue to enforce the law relating to the operation of e-scooters.

Chief Inspector Emma Bullock, Head of Roads Policing at Essex Police, said: “We’ve been working alongside Essex County Council on the forthcoming Spin e-scooter trials, which are set to take place across the county.  

“It’s really important to emphasise that if you’re not hiring an e-scooter from Spin as part of the pilot and using it within the areas defined as part of the project, you’ll be breaking the law.  

“If not part of this trial, using an e-scooter is still illegal other than on private land and we don’t want usually law-abiding citizens to inadvertently break the law.  

“That said, we will take action against anyone not complying with the e-scooter regulations and that could mean seizing the e-scooter.  

“We know e-scooters are popular gifts so we’re also urging retailers to make it clear to anyone buying an e-scooter that they can only be used legally on private land.”  

Chief Inspector Bullock added: “If you are taking part in the trial, please take precautions to ensure your personal safety such as wearing a helmet.”  

Only Spin scooters hired as part of this trial are legal on Essex roads.  Private scooters – because they are unable to get insurance – remain illegal, except on private land.   

Current rules are that Spin e-scooters are legally allowed to go anywhere that bicycles are legally allowed to go. Bicycles and e-scooters are not allowed on pavements.

To legally ride a Spin e-scooter you must have a driving licence and relevant insurance. To hire a Spin scooter, you must be 18 and show your driving licence which will be verified by a third-party database. The act of hiring a Spin e-scooter provides you with insurance.

The Spin e-scooters have distinctive orange branding to make them easily recognisable from privately-owned scooters which are usually black in colour.

All users who hire a Spin e-scooter will be given thorough mandatory training before they can hire a scooter, including modules on responsible driving and disability awareness.

Users cannot book a Spin e-scooter until this training is completed. Then e-scooters will be bookable through a web app provided by Spin. There will be incentives and disincentives to promote good use of Spin e-scooters.

Each trial has been co-designed with district, borough and city councils, which will support the unique travel needs of each town. E-scooters will provide a controlled way to assess the popularity, safety and impact upon travel and the environment in these towns.

‘Geofencing’ technology will be used to stop e-scooters being used in areas where they are not permitted.  Scooters can operate at a maximum of 15.5 mph and geofencing will be used to create ‘go slow’ and ‘no go’ areas.  

A key aim is to provide a socially distanced and safe way for people to travel that also reduces the number of short car journeys made - Spin’s previous experience in Milton Keynes shows 63 per cent of e-scooter riders used an e-scooter instead of driving.  

Lord Randall, Chair of the Essex Climate Action Commission, said: “The Commission has agreed we must take action now to reduce our carbon footprint in Essex. With almost a third of greenhouse gases coming from transport, we need to take a serious look at how we are moving about the county and how we can make our transport more sustainable.  

“Any idea which may reveal itself to be a valid contribution to reducing greenhouse gases has my attention, we can’t rule anything out. That’s why a trial of e-scooters was one of the Commission’s recommendations in its recent interim report. I welcome these e-scooter trials and am glad to see that the safety of e-scooter users, as well as other road users and pedestrians is of paramount importance. I’m very curious to discover if e-scooters are a sustainable way to move around Essex towns and cities and I will be watching these trials with great interest.”  

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “We are in the first wave nationally to safely introduce this innovative service to people in Essex. This is another option for residents, workers and anyone interested in getting around locally in the trial areas, to reconsider how they could travel more sustainably, removing congestion from our local streets and doing so in a way that will improve air quality.  

“We will intensively monitor each location’s scheme with Spin, looking particularly closely at safety and environmental issues and will continue to work alongside Essex Police to ensure the e-scooters are used safely and legally. I am hopeful it will prove to be a great success, but we will not hesitate to pause any scheme if we identify significant problems – that is the point of having a trial. I hope many people will try out the Spin scooters.”  

Steve Pyer, Spin’s UK Country Manager, said: “We are thrilled to provide the communities of Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Clacton, Chelmsford and Colchester with a safe, accessible and modern new method of transport.   

“Our e-scooters enable people to move more freely via a more socially distanced and greener alternative to cars and other forms of public transport. We are looking forward to partnering with each local council to bring our scooters to local streets within the coming weeks.”  

The trials will be for a maximum of one year once the schemes are running and will be regularly reviewed. 

An email address has been set up for the general public to give their views on the Spin e-scooter trail. If you have a view or wish to make a point about the Spin e-scooter trails send an email to escootertrials@essex.gov.uk

Essex Pedal Power is a community-based project, which provides residents with a free, high-quality bike to get them more active and provide travel for work, school, college, shopping and leisure. Qualifying residents will benefit from improved access to employment, education opportunities and public services.  The introduction of more accessible modes of active travel within coastal areas will also help improve the mental and physical wellbeing of the local community

Under the scheme the bikes will initially be loaned for a year, however, if the GPS tracker indicates that the bikes are being used regularly, residents will be able to keep the bike.

Essex Pedal Power will be piloted in Clacton and Jaywick Sands and if successful, rolled out to other areas of Essex. Alongside the bike scheme, the programme will include significant upgrades to the existing cycling infrastructure between Jaywick Sands and Clacton, including direct access to Clacton train station, Clacton High Street and the Pier.

Additional support services will be delivered including training packages to assist residents to learn to ride a bike and undertake basic bike maintenance as well as new cycle infrastructure, including local storage facilities and bike parking which will be  planned and delivered in partnership with the local community. The project will create new community cycling clubs, and the feasibility of a new cycling facility in Jaywick Sands for children and young people.

Essex County Council will be working with a range of partners including The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) Active Essex Local Delivery Pilot, Tendring District Council, Sport England and local stakeholders and community groups to deliver the scheme which is set to launch in spring 2021.

Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Cllr Tony Ball said: “This is an exciting new scheme aimed at tackling inequality and providing low cost, sustainable transport to communities in Essex.  Not only will it provide economic benefits, it will also improve the health and wellbeing of the local community.”  

Today, the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) is launching Vision Zero. Vision Zero is our ambition to have ZERO road deaths and serious injuries on roads in the Essex, Southend and Thurrock council areas by 2040. 

Councillor Lesley Wagland, Chairman of the SERP Governance Board said: “I completely support Vision Zero, and am urging all leaders of Councils, emergency services and businesses, together with the people of Essex, to prevent these unacceptable and avoidable tragedies. As our roads get ever busier, we must not lose sight of what really matters – people’s safety. I know all our partners are totally committed to achieving Vision Zero, but it will only succeed if everyone who uses the roads in Essex is prepared to share this vision and work with us to achieve it”.  

We are looking forward to working with anyone and everyone who shares our vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads. If you’d like to know more or want to contribute please contact us at saferessexroads 

We all recognise the enormity of this challenge. To get to zero by 2040, we need to halve the current number of deaths and serious injuries by 2030 which we know will involve many changes and will require the commitment of all communities and organisations, as well as each individual road user.  

We feel that the passion behind Vision Zero is captured by the impact of this film from The Transport Accident Commission Victoria (Australia)

We hope you will find it as inspiring as we did.

Essex has received transformational funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) for schemes in five towns to improve cycling and walking. All five schemes, in Basildon (Wickford), Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Colchester will now be developed in detail, with the advice of councils, councillors, businesses, cycling groups, access groups and other local groups.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Our schemes are radical. We have created a blueprint for active travel which will put Essex at the forefront of sustainable transport.

“These schemes will change the way residents use and think about their streets - spending more time in more attractive streets, where motorised traffic no longer dominates to the same extent. Not only will this be safer, greener and healthier, but it can also support the local economy by attracting people back to shopping and leisure in our town centres.”

Cllr Bentley added: “We will not stop there. This amount of funding reflects Government confidence in our forward-thinking schemes. Everyone understands that as more and more homes are built, our roads and our lungs cannot take the strain. I am not against cars – they are vital in our rural county, but where we can, we should all sometimes choose to leave the car at home. It is up to us to make those choices possible. 

“The future demands sustainable transport and a different future requires revolutionary thinking.  We will be reallocating road space – but only where it makes sense – and we will be consulting publicly on all proposals”

Working closely with district council colleagues and local organisations, Essex Highways built several emergency schemes to carve out extra social distancing space in town centres in the summer. Government and all councils are now keen to develop those successes, learning lessons from those early schemes which have been modified where necessary.

The new measures, centred around cycling, walkable neighbourhoods, and safer school streets will improve the lives of residents by encouraging more active travel, improving physical health and wellbeing, reducing congestion and pollution and making our towns and cities Safer, Greener and Healthier.

Each of the five schemes will now be developed in detail with advice from steering groups. Please see the outline plans as included in Essex’s bid for funding at https://bit.ly/3m5ZQ8Q 

Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council are strongly opposed to a charging zone, which they say would disproportionately hit businesses.

Instead, a scheme has been developed to relocate shared pedestrian and cyclist crossings in East Mayne, reducing people’s exposure to poor air quality at the roadside.  

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “We know that there is significant concern about a potential charging clean air zone in Basildon and are determined to ensure any scheme is not only going to be effective, but also proportionate, particularly given the continued impact of COVID-19.  

“I am delighted that we have now found a much more balanced solution which would have no significant impact on residents or businesses but would reduce people’s exposure to air pollution and achieve compliance with legal air quality levels.”  

A stretch of the A127 in Basildon and two areas to the south of it, notably in East Mayne, have been identified as exceeding legal limits for nitrogen dioxide – a harmful gas caused by vehicle emissions.  

The Government directed Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council to improve air quality on the A127 as quickly as possible and a new 50mph speed limit was introduced earlier this year. However, further work was needed to establish what measures were also needed to bring air quality in East Mayne within legal levels as soon as possible.

The councils were instructed to assess the likely effectiveness of a potential charging clean air zone, which would have seen drivers of certain more polluting vehicles charged for driving within a designated zone. Both councils strongly opposed the idea and carried out extensive work to identify and assess possible alternatives.

As a result, the crossings scheme in East Mayne has now been identified as a preferred option. The proposals, which are subject to Government approval, would reduce people’s exposure to poor air quality while also complementing wider initiatives to encourage a shift to cleaner travel throughout Basildon.  

Cllr Bentley added: “Improving poor air quality and reducing our exposure to it will mean more people, especially children, live safer, greener and healthier lives.  

“This public engagement is an opportunity for us to tell you more about the project, share our proposals and for you to let us know what you think as we continue our journey to cleaner travel in Basildon.”  

To find out more about the proposals and access the Basildon Air Quality survey, please visit essex.gov.uk/airquality. Printed copies of the survey and accompanying public engagement brochure are available on request by emailing airqualityproject@essexhighways.org.

The survey closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, 13 December.

The toolkit has been produced by Essex County Council and Active Essex, who are committed to increasing the levels of physical activity among school pupils across Essex.

Covid-19 has given families in Essex an opportunity to rethink the school run for pupils attending the 450 primary schools in Essex.

During this difficult and challenging time, it is possible to provide some routine to daily lives by adopting an active travel approach.

Active travel allows families time in the outdoors, breathing in fresh air and getting some sunlight, needed by our bodies to produce vital vitamin D.

While it is not convenient or possible for all students to actively travel to school, walking or cycling should be the default for many, whilst those living further away could park and stride – which means parking the car outside of busy areas and walking the short distance to the school.

To download and learn more about the Active Travel Toolkit for schools, click here

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Physical activity for children and young people may never have been so important. The Chief Medical Officer in England recommends that children do at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, yet there are currently 96,000 children in Essex not doing the recommended daily amount of exercise.

“The need for action against climate change is also a factor that must not be ignored. Active travel to school benefits us all and we hope that this toolkit will help improve active travel opportunities and create active communities across the county.”

Active travel not only presents the benefits of health as a source of physical activity but is safer for the environment and improves relationships and social inclusion.

Dr William Bird, GP and Physical Activity Advisor said: “The toolkit reflects the importance of physical activity which is an essential part of school life for every child.

“The time spent walking and cycling to school gives precious time when they can talk with their parents or catch up with their friends.

“It is also time to experience the seasons, notice nature and engage with the local people and culture in their neighbourhood. This lays down memories and provides security of belonging to a place. The excellent suggestions and ideas in this toolkit are key to creating a healthier child in the fullest sense.”

From Stop. Swap. GO! and Bikeability to the Healthy Schools Programme and The Daily Mile, the toolkit offers ideas and ways to implement these initiatives into the school and out to the pupils and their families. It is hoped the toolkit can create behaviour change so that sustainable transport becomes normal and also gives schools support to create behaviour change.

Tracey Vickers, Head of Sustainable Transport for Essex County Council, said: “Children are our blueprint for the future, so if we can encourage them now to lead active lives, whether that be during the school day or on the journeys they do every day, they’re more likely to continue with these behaviours into their adults lives. We need to be brave and embrace a new way of thinking about transport – one which puts our vision of safer, greener, healthier at the forefront.”

Much of the work has already been finished with the main Harwich Road to Ipswich Road completed some weeks ago. The hold up to the final work on the roundabout itself came after a major safety issue was identified with the bridge over the railway line. Cracks were found and are currently being methodically investigated before the project is finished.

However, while works to the bridge are ongoing, engineers will take advantage of the reduced traffic during lockdown to bring forward the carriageway reconstruction works, closing one lane for two weeks starting on the 15th November and finishing before the planned end of the lockdown on 2nd December.

The will remove the need to complete these works at the end of the programme when Ipswich Road roundabout is finalised after the bridge works completed.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “This lockdown has given us the opportunity to bring forward works while the roads are quieter and reduce the impact on traffic in the New Year.” 

“It is more important than ever that customers please continue to support our excellent local businesses in this area.” 

“I hope people who travel through this junction are beginning to see some of the benefits of increased traffic capacity and improved walking and cycling provision.” 

“I would like to thank the engineers who are reacting quickly to an ever-changing situation to minimise the impact of the work on the travelling public.” 

Residents and businesses can check the Essex Highways website for the latest updates including any changes to traffic management arrangements:  www.essex.gov.uk/majorschemes (follow the link to the A133 Ipswich Road improvement scheme, Colchester’).  

You can also check the @Essexhighways twitter feed for daily updates and one.network for information about all works in the area.

Now open for people’s views, the Colchester Future Transport Strategy examines how the borough’s residents, employees and visitors currently travel and where transport investment should be made over the coming years. 

Jointly supported by Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council, it will also form the basis for which all future transport schemes are judged against. 

The strategy sets out a bold vision and stark need to focus on health and wellbeing, reduce car use in the town centre, improve air quality and increase sustainable travel, through the creation of four zones in, each with specific priorities. 

Currently, over 60 per cent of people who both live and work within the borough travel by car. Of these journeys, 40 per cent are 5km or less and 20 per cent are 2km or less.

Helping to launch the strategy and an accompanying competition for schools, students from Colchester High School for Girls backed the need to focus on the environment and increase opportunities for walking and cycling in the town.

Mrs Willa Jackson, Associate to the Principal at Colchester County High School for Girls, said that the school is pleased to be supporting the Colchester Future Transport Strategy. “As part of our Eco-school status CCHSG is keen to encourage more students who live in Colchester to walk or cycle to school. 

“This would not only benefit their  health and fitness but would also help to reduce traffic congestion in the area local to the school.” 

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, added: “At the height of the lockdown earlier this year we saw over 20,000 fewer car journeys on Colchester’s roads. Congestion eased, air quality improved and the number of people cycling and walking within the town increased significantly. 

“As we move forward and think of the long-term, we need to take the ‘safer, greener, healthier’ ethos into our future planning, making that behaviour change more permanent.  

“This strategy will transform Colchester’s network over the coming years and decades. As the transport users of the future, it is critical that we garner young people’s views, which is why we are also opening a competition to encourage pupils to submit their ideas on increasing cycling and walking, alongside launching the strategy.” 

Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, added: “How we travel around our town and connect our communities is key to our future success.  

“We have set out our vision for Colchester – including growing our economy, providing homes for those in need, celebrating our culture and heritage, and creating safe and active communities. All of these are vital for creating a Better Colchester, as is our commitment to tackling climate change and protecting our environment into the future. 

“Put simply, we have to make it easier to leave the car at home.” 

To view the Colchester Future Transport Strategy and have your say, please visit www.essexhighways.org/colchester-future-transport.aspx

The red poppy emblem will applied early on Saturday morning and it will be similar to this design from a previous installation outside the county..

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Despite public remembrance ceremonies not being held in the same way this year, the respectful tribute we all want to pay to our armed forces is just as strong, reminding us we are one community. 

"We owe our democracy, our freedoms and our prosperity to those men and women who defend us now as to all those who have done so in the past. I’m delighted that we will have a very public expression of that remembrance on the High Street of Essex’s garrison town to remind us all how much we owe. 

"The lines from Laurence Binyon’s famous 1914 poem will always be with us: “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.” 

The red poppy emblem will applied early on Saturday morning and it will be similar to this design from a previous installation outside the county..

The new guide details the range and scope of contributions Essex County Council seeks in order to mitigate the impact of development. It helps to ensure that new housing developments are supported by appropriate infrastructure including school and early years places, transport links and waste management.

The Guide was produced by Essex County Council in consultation with the district, borough and city councils of Essex and developers to provide a transparent and consistent approach and to ensure that new development makes a positive contribution to the community for residents.

 The new 2020 Guide replaces the previous guide which was published in 2016 and takes account of national changes including the Revised Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which came into force in September 2019 and legislative changes requiring children between the ages of 16-19 to be in full-time education or training.

The Guide features several new elements including a new section requiring developer contributions towards employment and skills. This new section is particularly important in the current climate as the County Council looks to support the local economy during the Covid-19 recovery phase. There is also a new section on contributions to special educational needs provision. Approximately 15% of the Essex school population has some form of special educational needs and the cost of specialist provision can be up to four times higher than mainstream education provision.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “With increasing need to provide new housing to support Essex’s growing population, it is vital that the County Council is able to secure contributions to provide the infrastructure needed to create balanced, well-designed places. Our new guide is just one of our commitments to building not just houses but communities for people to live, work and enjoy.” 

For a link to the Developers’ Guide to Infrastructure Contributions and other links to planning advice visit https://www.essex.gov.uk/planning-advice-guidance/guidance-for-developers

While engineers were strengthening the retaining wall to the south and west of the Ipswich Rd roundabout, a crack was discovered in the base of one of the ornamental columns, known as pilasters, which also form the outer layer of the bridge. These pilasters are instantly recognisable to all Colchester residents.

This pilaster is being removed to investigate how serious the crack may be in the bridge supporting structure.

The bridge must be checked and repaired now to ensure any problems do not get worse. This will involve complex engineering and is expected to require repairs continuing into the New Year, cooperating closely with Network Rail’s permissions to access the site. 

The Cowdray Avenue Bridge repairs are expected to be completed in the winter of 2020/21. Essex Highways plans to take advantage of the current traffic restrictions at the Ipswich Road roundabout, which fortunately provide the space needed to get people and equipment safely to the bridge and to safely work.

Essex Highways have total access to the railway side of the structure and are working on the best method of dismantling the parapet and pilaster. Surveys are planned over the next few weeks that will inform us of the level of damage and we will provide updates as soon as we can.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “I hope people who travel through this junction are already seeing some of the benefits of increased traffic capacity and improved walking and cycling provision. 

“However, I realise that the need now to urgently investigate and repair the bridge looks like a continuation of the same works. It isn’t, it is rather a very unfortunate coincidence, but thank goodness we have found the crack on the bridge now before it gets any worse. 

“As soon as the bridge is fixed, we will finish all works at the Ipswich Road roundabout and re-open a full two lanes of traffic in each direction, as per our improvement plans.” 

“I absolutely understand that these works have been an inconvenience for many people, and a real issue for some businesses and I thank every single person living and working nearby for your patience and politeness as we have had to overcome several unforeseen engineering issues. 

“Essex Highways has a responsibility to investigate all possible issues we find in the road infrastructure and we are committed to making Colchester roads safe and allow traffic to flow well in future years. 

“I would ask that customers please continue to support our excellent local businesses in this area.” 

Residents and businesses can check the Essex Highways website for the latest updates on the bridge and including any changes to traffic management arrangements:  www.essex.gov.uk/majorschemes (follow the link to the A133 Ipswich Road improvement scheme, Colchester’).  

You can also check the @Essexhighways twitter feed for daily updates and one.network for information about all works in the area.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Council’s Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, recently took a tour of Colchester town centre, to view the completed work and now everyone can see a birds-eye view of what the councillors saw. 

The new video can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi06c7tYTQE

Also a new video showing the specialist techniques used in the work to replace worn slabs and sealing grouting can be viewed here https://bit.ly/3gbYyqa on the Essex Highways web page.

Essex Highways managed the scheme, which was funded jointly by Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council.

The improvements to the pavements will make them safer, look better and less likely to move or break. It is also hoped the new pavements will add to the town centre environment, attracting people to the town centre.

Pavements on both sides of the High Street have been repaired, from the junction with North Hill to Queen St, including around the war memorial in front of the Castle and including block paving on the road at West Stockwell St.

Councillor Bentley said: “Most of the pavement work was done at night to keep inconvenience to shops and shoppers to a minimum, and we avoided Friday and Saturday nights when night-time businesses are busiest. I thank all those businesses for their patience, and I’m sure they all will benefit from the improvements.” 

Councillor Goss said: “I was very impressed with the work-rate, planning and attention to detail of the contractors on the High Street. Not only are the pavements improved, they are sealed and protected from future problems so that our traders will have an attractive backdrop to their shops to welcome visitors to the town centre. I am delighted our investment is already paying off.” 

The work involved laying new paving slabs where needed, replacing damaged slabs with colour-matches. Worn grouting has been removed and re-grouted and then sealed. 

To minimise impact on pedestrians and day-to-day life in the bustling town centre barriers and signs needed during working hours were removed after each night shift.

Sealing the grouting will make it easier for Colchester Council’s street cleaning team, as it protects the slabs and blocks and the grouting between them and underneath.  

Replacement slab and grout colours were selected by Colchester Council officers to ensure a good colour match, and they were also chosen to be easily matched by any company that digs up and replaces any slabs in the future.

The Eastern Highways Framework 3 has created a bank of contractors to manage schemes worth up to £30m such as roundabouts, cycle paths, new roads and other infrastructure. 

The successful contractors awarded onto the framework are BAM Nuttall, Dyer & Butler Ltd, John Sisk & Son, Eurovia UK Ltd, Galliford Try Infrastructure Ltd, Geoffrey Osborne Ltd, Interserve Construction Ltd, Jackson Civil Engineering Group Ltd and Marlborough Highways.

The framework will provide benefits to the way local authorities in the East of England deliver highway works. The councils say the framework will aim to reduce the time and cost of such projects and provide an efficient and effective way to procure investment in highways.

The exercise was led by Essex County Council on behalf of the Eastern Highways Alliance which has been in existence for the last eight years.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “The creation of the Eastern Highways Framework 3 has been a huge task, led by Essex County Council, in collaboration with the authorities of the Eastern Highways Alliance. 

“It is innovative thinking and partnership working like this which demonstrates how local authorities are collaborating together in adapting to the challenges we face.” 

The members of the Eastern Highways Alliance are: Cambridgeshire County Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Essex County Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Luton Borough Council, Norfolk County Council, Peterborough City Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Suffolk County Council and Thurrock Council.

Long-range weather forecasts still cannot tell us with any reliability what sort of winter weather we may get.

The last couple winters of have been relatively mild, but people in Essex may remember the snowy winter of 2017/18. Essex Highways knows the county may face similar episodes this winter and our message is: We are prepared.

In early October our gritter drivers refreshed their knowledge of gritted routes and vehicle systems by practice-driving them. Essex Highways grit 40 per cent of the county road network, Highways England grit the A12, A120, M11 and M25 and Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Councils grit their own roads.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said:

“While, fortunately, my responsibilities don’t extend to forecasting the weather, I am able to assure everyone that we have invested in sufficient salt, salt barns and equipment to be in a very good position to keep our main routes and other key roads open in all but the most extreme potential weather this winter. 

“However it’s not just the unpredictable weather we face this winter of course - our drivers are at similar risk of Covid infection as the general public, so we are carefully considering our health practices, driver and stand-by driver rotas as well as looking at contingency gritting plans. 

“What I can say is, we will continue to deliver the best service we can under any situation.”

Roadside salt bins for use by local residents have just been re-filled where necessary, approximately 36 tonnes of salt being added across Essex. Should it be necessary, residents can also help by carefully clearing snow from their own local pavements – you can read guidance about how to do this safely on our ‘clearing snow and ice yourself’ web page.

Please check the roads we grit on our online map at https://bit.ly/2L1o4AK. You can find further information on our Winter Service webpages and from 19 October you can follow daily gritter decisions on the Essex Highways Twitter account at @essexhighways

Construction came to an end in September, enabling the temporary speed restrictions to be lifted.

Morgan Sindall began construction in 2018 on behalf of Essex Highways to dual the A414 between Cambridge Road and River Way Roundabouts as part of a £15 million investment into Harlow.  

The Cambridge Road Roundabout was also upgraded and traffic signals at the East Road junction improved while maintaining a crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists.  

These changes have been designed to manage congestion on this busy route, supporting future economic growth and jobs in the town.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “I would like to express my gratitude for the patience shown by residents, businesses and commuters during the lengthy construction period.  

“This has been an ambitious scheme which has been successfully completed despite the technical challenges of being a traffic sensitive site close to business premises and accesses.    

“Works have required close liaison with many third parties, including utility providers throughout the scheme to support utility diversions and the protection of supplies.  

“New innovative techniques have also been used during the build to install the country’s first large diameter, structural wall plastic pipe attenuation system directly beneath a live carriageway”  

“The contractor is now beginning to demobilise their site and finalise any minor outstanding off-line works.”  

One of the biggest infrastructure projects in Essex, the work to create Junction 7A at Harlow is seen as critical to economic growth and prosperity in the town.

The project, which will ease congestion and make journeys safer, means overnight lane closures on the motorway over the coming day, as well as a long-term closure of the hard shoulder.

This is allowing contractor GRAHAM to set up its site for the junction and begin to deliver the new gateway for Harlow.

Welcoming the start of the next stage of the work, Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Over the summer we have seen the main work on the new M11 Junction 7A start in earnest along Gilden Way. 

“I am very pleased that, working closely with GRAHAM, we have been able to introduce additional safety measures to enable the team to stay on schedule during the current situation with Covid-19. 

“Work has progressed quickly and, as the team now starts work on the motorway itself, we will really start to see the scale of the biggest infrastructure investments for Essex in many years.” 

Since the start of the scheme, funded by Highways England and Essex County Council, GRAHAM has begun to widen Gilden Way, which will ultimately join the motorway via a new Link Road, creating a new east-west route through the town.

Cllr Bentley said that as well as easing congestion and making journeys safer, the project would provide additional public transport opportunities together with increased walking and cycling.

He added: “Overall we have a scheme that is widely recognised as being of critical importance to both the local and regional economy. It will help keep traffic moving across the town and allow sustainable transport to flourish.” 

The new online system will take residents less than 15 minutes to complete, compared to nearer 60 minutes previously.

Applicants can use the online renewal process if their previous badge was awarded based on one of the automatic eligibility entitlements which still applies, or if when it was awarded it was decided no further assessment would be required. 

The online system, which can be found at www.essex.gov.uk/renew-a-blue-badge will advise applicants if it can be used to renew their badge, or if a full application will be required.

Cabinet Member for Customer, Communities, Culture and Corporate, Cllr Susan Barker said: “We are always looking to make interactions with the Council easier for our residents, this is another way which will help.

“The new online process is much quicker than before and will make renewing a Blue Badge a much smoother experience.”

The A133 Ipswich to Harwich Road widening scheme has just had final road surfacing completed and barriers and bollards are being removed.

During the first year of the scheme some of the largest utility works ever undertaken in the county took place, including relocation of a massive high-pressure water main and major cabling carrying massively complex communication lines serving the Tendring area. For many months, crews were underground out of sight, working on the intricate network.

However, while working under the railway bridge, engineers also discovered some cracking to the structure. This is now being repaired for the safety of all pedestrians, cyclists, vehicle and train users. It is very sensible to do this work while engineers and equipment are on site and while there are already minimal traffic restrictions at the Ipswich Road roundabout.

The alternative would have been to finish the A133 scheme and open all roads, but then have to return in later months and once again close part of the road to be able to safely work on the bridge - at significant cost and with further unwanted road closures.

At present the contractor is making good progress using narrow lane widths to keep traffic moving, although use of a one-way lane closure on Ipswich Rd (south) is being kept in reserve, just in case it is needed if any other unforeseen issues are encountered.

Work continues to finish the strengthened and piled retaining wall around the south-west area of the roundabout. Further works surfacing pavements, installing crossings, landscaping and finishing details of the road itself will also carry on, keeping any delay to a minimum in finishing the entire site.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “I understand people’s frustration with the situation here, but as a resident and councillor in Colchester I remind myself that the alternative to these ambitious improvements was near-future gridlock across the town. 

“It is unfortunate that the works are still unfinished as we introduce new, more sustainable Safer, Greener, Healthier travel measures elsewhere around the town, but it would be foolish and very unwise for people’s safety to delay repairing the railway bridge. 

“I absolutely understand that these works have been an inconvenience for many people, and a real issue for some businesses and I thank every single person living and working nearby for your patience and politeness as we have had to overcome several unforeseen engineering issues. 

“I would encourage residents and businesses to please check the Essex Highways website for the latest updates including any changes to traffic management arrangements.”  

More information is available at www.essex.gov.uk/highwayschemes (follow the link to the ‘A133 Ipswich Road improvement scheme, Colchester’).  

You can also check the @Essexhighways twitter feed and one.network for information about other works in the area.

Without action to reduce the county’s carbon emissions, temperatures are set to rise to catastrophic levels in just 25 years. 

The impact of such climate change in Essex would lead to water shortages, more flooding and the degradation of agricultural land.

This week, at the third meeting of the Essex Climate Action Commission, which brings together experts on climate change, from academics to scientists to business leaders, commissioners discussed how dramatic changes to transport in Essex could help reduce the county’s carbon emissions. 

Commissioners received a presentation from Tracey Vickers, Head of Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council who said: “The most sustainable form of travel is no travel at all, but people will always need to travel – to work, to school, to the shops – rebuilding the local economy. 

“Where people must travel, we need to encourage modal shift into active travel, such as walking and cycling, whilst also supporting electrification to decarbonise getting from A to B as much as possible.” 

A range of other potential measures to reduce unnecessary car use was discussed at the meeting. Transport needs to be Safer, Greener, Healthier - protecting residents and our environment. These measures included expanding Essex’s cycle network, growing electric vehicle charging capacity and new ‘park and choose’ schemes where schemes are developed to facilitate onward travel by bicycle, scooter or on foot. 

Chair of the Commission, Lord Randall, said: “We must take action now to reduce our carbon footprint in Essex. With almost a third of greenhouse gases coming from transport, we need to take a serious look at how we are moving about the county and how we can make our transport more sustainable. There is no time to waste – we need to make changes today before it’s too late.” 

The Commission agreed a range of recommendations to put forward to the Council, with rebuilding public transport and increased cycling and walking as top priorities.

The Commission will make its full set of recommendations on a range of matters - transport, energy, waste, land use, green infrastructure and the built environment - to Essex County Council cabinet for consideration by the end of its first year. 

They say the upgrade of the A120, from Braintree to the A12, to a dual carriageway will deliver a valuable boost to the county economy, benefiting businesses, creating jobs and unlocking growth in the area.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said it remained crucial that the A120 was upgraded as quickly as possible.

He said: “The A120 is the only single-carriageway road in the UK with a major international airport, Stansted, at one end and a major international seaport, Harwich, at the other. 

“It is, therefore, in urgent need of an upgrade, a project that will add £2.2 billion in gross value to the local economy through new jobs, business and housing while dramatically improving road safety. 

“I am, therefore delighted to see Highways England’s commitment to including the road in their programme.” 

Together with Witham MP, Priti Patel, Cllr Bentley headed the campaign to secure funding for the road. This was supported by local businesses with more than 500 signing a petition to back investment in an upgraded A120.

In addition, the campaign saw overwhelming public support for an improvement scheme with four out of five of the 2,795 responses to public consultation in 2017 agreeing that there was a need to upgrade the A120 to a dual carriageway.

Priti Patel MP said: “The case for dualling the A120 is strong and compelling and I have raised it directly with Ministers in Government.” 

“Upgrading the A120 will provide huge economic benefits to the region, will reduce congestion, improve journey times and make this road safer.” 

“I have been pleased to work with Essex County Council to get this scheme brought forward and will continue to work with them and Highways England to develop the plans further. We will carry on working with businesses and local communities to highlight the importance of this infrastructure improvement and to get the funding for the scheme secured.” 

In conjunction with Highways England, Essex County Council developed the A120 improvement plan, while campaigning for Government funding for the work.

As a result, the Government’s latest Road Investment Strategy RIS2, covering April 2020 to March 2025, includes the A120 Braintree to A12 as a ‘pipeline’ scheme to be taken forward by Highways England, with the road scheme being further developed between now and 2025, for subsequent construction. 

Essex County Council is currently in the process of handing over to Highways England all work to date on the project, including the authority’s favoured route option for the new road, known as Option D, running from Galleys Corner at Braintree to a new junction with the A12, south of Kelvedon. 

Cllr Lesley Wagland, Essex County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Cycle paths in Harlow will get significant repairs in the very near future.” 

Cllr Wagland added: “We are increasing our investment and repair work on Harlow’s cycle routes in two ways. 

“Firstly, we are identifying extra resources from county-wide programmes to increase cycleway maintenance. 

“Secondly, I am letting County Councillors representing Harlow know that they can nominate cycleway repairs as part of our recently announced extra investment in local priority potholes to be fixed. All residents and councillors in Harlow are now invited to let their County Councillor know where they think cycle paths need priority repairs so that the work can be done as quickly as possible.” 

County Councillors representing Harlow can now put forward specific defects on cycleways (or worn sections) to get a repair crew to fix these quickly in addition to normal safety-priority work.
Councillor Michael Hardware, Essex County Councillor for Harlow West, said: “I’m confident now, after meetings with councillors and officers regarding Harlow’s superb cycle network, that we have an effective way forward to quickly improve the safety and quality of all cycleways in the town. 

“This will include those owned by each council – a huge incentive to get more people locally out on their bikes for their health and for other long-term benefits to the town. 

“I pay tribute to the local cycling campaign and others who have helped us to develop our plans for improvement. I’ve certainly lost a few pounds riding just about every route here with colleagues to see the situation for myself, and I look forward to further extensions to this almost unique facility in our town.” 

Harlow’s proposed East-West cycle route from Hamstel Road is planned to be built with part of the County Council’s cycling capital budget. 

Safety-critical repairs should still be reported to Essex Highways and these will continue to be inspected, with appropriate action taken.

As Government and councils work to get more people walking and cycling with better facilities, cycleway works across Essex are being prioritised.

This week offers the final opportunity to visit the web-based exhibition, which is set to close on Friday, after being launched in place of more traditional public events during the Covid-19 situation.

One of the largest new infrastructure projects in the county, the Chelmsford North East Bypass and Beaulieu Station scheme is being developed following the award of £218 million of Government funding. 

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Over the last six weeks people of all ages and local areas have visited the virtual village hall, to find out more about these critical new infrastructure improvements. 

“The exhibition has successfully replaced more traditional village hall events during the Covid-19 situation and proved and excellent way for people to find out about the proposals and also give us their views and opinions.” 

Cllr Bentley said that the new bypass and station would help support and manage the future growth of Chelmsford and the surrounding areas making it easier to travel into and out of the city.

He added: “Importantly, the scheme will also reduce congestion in the city centre and on our local road network as well as relieve pressure on Chelmsford station, which is well known as one the busiest commuter stations in the country. 

“However, as with all proposals of this scale, there is an impact on the local area and it is important that we ensure local people and businesses understand what is being proposed and have the opportunity to give their comments and views. 

“That is why we progressed with the new-style virtual exhibition, rather than simply cancel the walk-in events that we had planned.” 

Visitors to the virtual village hall can see more information on the plans, including a film with a ‘fly-through’ of the scheme, by heading to www.essex.gov.uk/chelmsford-north-east-bypass.  For any enquiries, email cneb@essexhighways.org.      

The Essex proposal, which includes details of five transformational schemes in Basildon (Wickford), Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Colchester, will now be considered by the DfT with results announced later in the Autumn.

The proposals build on recent experience gained from the emergency Safer, Greener, Healthier measures set up in several towns across Essex, the previously published Essex Cycling Strategy and existing planning already underway.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure said: “Working in partnership with local councils, we evaluated nearly 20 proposals against DfT criteria and the strongest five have been shortlisted and included in one overall bid. We have identified a transformative set of active travel schemes that we want to take forward in partnership. 

“We believe these proposals meet the Government requirement to put forward schemes that could be transformative for residents. We want the schemes to encourage people to rethink how they make their local journeys in Safer, Greener, and Healthier ways, whether on foot or by bike, instead of opting for the car. 

"Travel choice remains critical, but we want to ensure there are real options for the people of Essex, made easier by great infrastructure and cycle and walking-friendly routes, to help not only themselves and their families, but our communities and our environment.” 

The schemes submitted are required by DfT to reallocate road space to active travel measures such as cycling and walking to ensure better access to town centres, places of employment and other key areas.

Over the longer-term, the intention is to improve public health and reduce congestion and pollution, by providing more opportunity to use more sustainable forms of travel where possible.

A summary of the schemes is below, and further details will be available online shortly.

Schemes submitted to the Department for Transport:  

• Basildon: The scheme will create a cycling and walking route from Nevendon Road to the railway station, the adoption of 20 mph speed limits, School Streets and a Low Traffic Neighbourhood.  
• Braintree: The proposal is to create two segregated cycle routes, one running from East to West from Courtauld Rad to Panfield Lane and from South to North from the schools on Notley Road and ending at the town centre. The routes will involve adoption of a School Street and the introduction of 20 mph speed limits and a Dutch-style roundabout
• Brentwood: The proposal is to create a segregated cycle route in Brentwood connecting commuters to Shenfield railway station to Brentwood town centre, via a Low Traffic Neighbourhood and the adoption of a School Street, and the introduction of 20 mph speed limits. 
• Chelmsford: The proposal is to create two segregated cycle routes: an East to City centre corridor from Chelmer Village and a West to South-East corridor from the railway station to meet an established cycle route to Baddow. Both of these routes will involve the adoption of 20 mph speed limits and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. 
• Colchester: The proposal is to create two segregated cycle routes in Colchester, going North-South from Mile End Road to Butt Road and a West-East corridor starting at the junction of Spring Lane and ending on East Hill. Both routes will involve the adoption of School Streets, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20 mph speed limits.

All the schemes will deliver benefits to residents such as active travel and positive health and wellbeing, while also reducing congestion and air pollution.

At the same time, County and Brentwood Borough Councillors set up a monitoring group to ensure that the voices and experiences of businesses, residents and shoppers were heard and understood.

The group has heard from a wide range of people during the closure period and has agreed to end the closure and lift it from today.

Brentwood High Street has therefore been fully re-opened from this morning, once again allowing all traffic, including private vehicles, deliveries, taxis and private-hire vehicles access to the entire High Street.

Barriers, parking bay closures and other temporary measures will be removed.

Councillor Lesley Wagland, Essex County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Our initial Safer, Greener, Healthier highway measures enabled us to provide the space people in Brentwood needed to resume moving around and shopping safely. I’m very grateful for the regular communication the monitoring group has had with the High Street community. We want to help, and we are doing everything we can to give the public confidence to shop in Brentwood town centre and rebuild the local economy. 

“At a recent meeting of the Monitoring Board we concluded that the core steps taken under the Government’s temporary measures have served their immediate purpose and should be removed. This is now taking place. 

“We will now focus on longer-term measures in the Brentwood and Shenfield area to help accessibility, particularly for cycling and walking to and around the town centre. There is, for instance, a lot of support from the monitoring group for a complete ‘Sunday only’ closure of Brentwood High Street to all vehicles, including buses, and this is being looked at. 

“A number of other options have also been discussed which form part of a bid for further Department for Transport Emergency Active Travel funding that has been submitted by Essex County Council.” 

Councillor Chris Hossack, Brentwood Borough Council Leader, said: “We were pleased to work with Essex County Council on the measures introduced initially and we are pleased to be continuing to work with ECC on future Safer, Greener, Healthier ideas and opportunities.  

“Feedback and analysis make it clear that there are risks and opportunities with any closure of Brentwood High Street. It has allowed people to social distance well and the closure served that purpose for the time it was in place.  

“Ideas are being discussed for a ‘Sunday only full-closure’ to be introduced, but more work is being done to assess its viability. We have also continued to work with Essex County Council on the bid for further Department for Transport Emergency Active Travel funding and we now wait on the outcome of the bid process later this year.” 

Stop.Swap.GO! is supporting students and their parents to get to school in September by providing an information service that encourages walking, scooting and cycling to school across Essex and helps young people know what to do if they travel by bus.

As schools return and bus capacity is limited due to social distancing requirements, many families will find their school journey is different.  Or they might choose another more active way to make it.

A new, dedicated ‘Getting to school’ page on the Stop.Swap.GO! website  is now live to help families develop a sustainable and active travel option for the school run. It includes maps and information on cycle and walking routes to schools in Essex, as well as suggested drop off zones away from the school gate to reduce congestion.  These are being developed for schools in our most congested areas – and schools are being asked for their own suggestions so you’ll see more added. 

It also contains all the up to date information for travel to school by bus and travel to school for young people who receive education transport provided by Essex County Council.  It’s important parents and young people understand the new requirements on face coverings and social distancing. 

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Passenger Transport, said: “Getting to school in September will be a new experience. We need to give parents and pupils the information to travel to school safely yet in a way which reduces emissions, improves health and is good for the environment.” 

Getting to School support will be promoted on Stop.Swap.GO! Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media channels.

The Getting to School initiative will also include a competition to incentivise sustainable travel to school, launching late August.

Stop.Swap.GO! is a campaign led by Essex County Council, aiming to increase sustainable travel in the county.  The aim of the campaign is to make it easier and more motivating for Essex residents to switch from car to more sustainable travel choices in the future.

The campaign builds upon temporary measures which are installed in town and city centres across Essex to increase space for social distancing and encourages walking and cycling. For more information and tips on how to get the most out of walking and cycling visit the website.

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Essex County Council (ECC) extended the hours of operation for Essex bus passes to all day from the usual off-peak times to help people make use of early hours opening for high risk groups.

Stop. Swap. GO! is a behaviour change campaign led by Essex County Council, which aims to make it easier and more motivating for Essex residents to switch from car to more sustainable travel choices in the future.

The campaign builds upon temporary measures installed in town and city centres across Essex which increase space for social distancing and encourages walking and cycling.   

A website outlining the campaign and full of tips on how to get the most out of walking and cycling is now live -  www.stopswapgo.co.uk/

Take part in the 60 Day Challenge to be in with a chance of winning a prize. It’s completely free and every trip counts. Whether you’re walking to work or simply cycling to the shops, tell us about your trip and you could win! It’s as simple as that. 

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Passenger Transport, said: “The Stop. Swap. GO! 60 Day Challenge is an excellent way to start thinking about how to swap walking and cycling into your daily travel. The new website makes it easy for people to register and take up this active challenge which could benefit us all.” 

There are five simple steps to starting your 60 Day Challenge:

• Hit the “Sign up” button to launch the registration form for the 60 Day Challenge and then enter your details
• Check your email inbox for an email from us containing the link to download our challenge smartphone app (it’s called “Indeemo”)
• Click the link and create an Indeemo account using the same email address you used to register for the 60 Day Challenge
• Log into the Indeemo app via your smartphone
• Follow the quick app tutorial and start your challenge!

For more information about Stop. Swap. GO! and the 60 Day Challenge follow the campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit www.stopswapgo.co.uk

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Essex County Council (ECC) extended the hours of operation for Essex bus passes to all day from the usual off-peak times to help people make use of early hours opening for high risk groups.

Now businesses and shops are starting to return to normal, with schools preparing for a September return, social distancing requirements on bus services mean that during the peak morning travel period there will be additional pressure on bus capacity for school children and workers.

As a result, ECC has agreed with bus operators that the times of operation for Essex concessionary bus passes will return to normal hours - 9am to midnight on weekdays and all times on weekends and public holidays from Tuesday, 1st September 2020. 

If you are a pass holder and want to travel outside the hours of operation of your bus pass you will need to pay the full fare for your journey from this date.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Passenger Transport, said: “I’m pleased bus transport arrangements are moving back to normal from the changes we brought in to help vulnerable passengers access shops at the height of the lockdown. 

“This return to a normal service will help bus passengers and drivers observe social distancing protocols by spreading out the volume of passengers across the morning. 

“I will take this opportunity to emphasise to all bus passengers that when using bus services, please follow the guidance from Public Health England, including the need to wear a face covering and  reducing personal contact, while maintaining social distancing and personal hygiene measures, particularly sneezing or coughing into disposable tissues, avoiding touching your face and regular thorough hand cleaning.” 

All bus passengers are asked to note the availability of bus services is likely to continue to change over the coming weeks.

Bus passengers are strongly advised to check the bus operator’s website, social media and phone apps to see what bus services will be running before starting their journey.  

The bridge is scheduled to be closed from 5am on Monday 17 August and reopen by the end of the day on Thursday 27 August 2020 while essential repairs take place. No vehicles will be permitted to pass over the structure until the works are complete.

Advance warning signs will be in place prior to works to inform drivers, including HGVs, that formal diversions will be operational during the eleven day closure.

Work will not affect the current pedestrian route across the village pond footbridge, nor restrict access to residential properties and businesses in the village. These will be accessible via the signed diversion or alternative local routes.

During this time repairs will be carried out to the parapets, including reconstructing the northern parapet.  These works are considered as an interim measure, intended to preserve the bridge’s continued safe use.  Additional investigations will also be carried out during the road closure to support the design of a new replacement structure and ongoing temporary works design.

Provisions are being made for an inter-connecting temporary shuttle bus service to be made available to replace the no. 9 and 16 services. Details will be advertised by Stephensons as soon as arrangements are finalised.

For further details about these works please visit the Essex Highways website:  https://www.essexhighways.org/transport-and-roads/highway-schemes-and-developments/other-schemes/finchingfield-bridge-b1053-finchingfield.aspx

Should the works be delayed, for example due to adverse weather conditions, then the latest information will be updated on site signage and the above webpage.

Following the removal of the flyover earlier this year, work is continuing to assess and refine the four remaining options for the junction - a hamburger roundabout, enlarged roundabout, two-way flyover and separate T-junctions. Each has now been upgraded to include significantly improved walking and cycling facilities at the junction, incorporating feedback from strategic partners.

The Army and Navy Taskforce, which is overseeing the development of the project, was this week advised about likely lane closures required during construction and possible options to help mitigate the impact, including potentially expanding Sandon Park and Ride or building a new park and ride site, in advance of the junction improvements.

The group heard Essex County Council and Vicky Ford, MP for Chelmsford, will also be lobbying Government for funding for other sustainable transport measures that could be implemented ahead of the main works, such as cycle route improvements in the city.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “The Army and Navy junction is a crucial gateway into Chelmsford and although there is currently less traffic on the roads than usual, we under no illusions and recognise that a long-term solution is still very-much needed.

“I want to reassure people that our hard work is continuing as we look to develop the right scheme for the city and compile the robust evidence needed to secure Government funding.

“In line with the latest guidance from the Department for Transport this week, walking, cycling and bus travel will form a central part of the project and the future of transport in Chelmsford.

“Recognising the effect construction will undoubtedly have, we have also already begun to explore possible options to minimise any delays and keep the city moving by making potential cycling and bus improvements in advance.

“We understand people want a solution at the Army and Navy junction as quickly as possible and steps are being taken to speed things up wherever we can, however we must also follow Government processes and ensure we achieve the right scheme for Chelmsford.”

Public consultation is expected to take place in spring/summer 2021 to help the council in identifying a preferred option.

For more information about the project and to sign up for the email newsletter, please visit www.essex.gov.uk/armyandnavy

The new programme follows two previous schemes, in 2018 and 2019, which saw hundreds of extra road and footway problems fixed in addition to repairs completed routinely because of their immediate risk to safety.

Each Essex County Councillor will be using their local knowledge and working with their local Parishes and Districts so Members can nominate a list of locally important pothole locations to Essex Highways for repair. The road defects submitted will then be fixed permanently as soon as possible, using extra investment provided by Essex County Council.

Each county councillor will be able use a repair crew in their area for up to 10 days, working to the list County Councillors will provide. Their work will be focused on some of the most locally irritating potholes which may not normally be considered for immediate repair under existing maintenance policies.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “We have proved these Member-led exercises work very well to fix extra potholes locally. I want to make sure that the money we’re putting in to these additional repairs is used to maximum effect in each area. We want to repair the potholes that really frustrate people locally as well as the ones our careful safety- and asset led policies mandate. We won’t be able to fix everything, but we will consider requests that our resources can deal with. 

“That’s why I am asking all Essex County Councillors to consult quickly as possible, with their local councils, organisations or residents and then let us have their list of local priority potholes. We’ll fix them permanently with extra crews, further improving our road network and helping everyone who uses it.” 

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure said: “The Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday about investment in cycling and walking mirrors the thinking we have in Essex about being safer, greener and healthier. 

“We should all have the right to healthier streets, access to safe walking and cycling networks and the ability to be able to enjoy cycling and walking.  Cycling and walking is at the forefront of our decision making. If walking and cycling is easy, safe and fun it will become the default option for those shorter journeys. The sustainability and environmental impacts cannot go unnoticed if we can help people move to active travel. 

“In Essex we have a list of schemes we want to take forward to transform the county; we are assessing our cycling network identifying areas of best practice and areas that need improvement and investment. This funding announced today will help local authorities plan in a long-term way and help us ensure sustainable travel is the first choice for journeys – great news for our environment, for public health and for our Essex communities.” 

All three P&R sites will initially run to a reduced timetable and provide services between 7am-7pm Monday to Saturday, but passengers are advised to check the website or Social Media before traveling for any updates or changes, which could occur due to essential operation reasons.

All ECC services will be operating in line with current government Social Distancing requirements, and therefore, there may be a slightly longer wait to board a vehicle due to reduce capacity onboard passengers are advised to be patient and follow advice from service staff however a new queuing system will be introduced to make the process as efficient and safe as possible.

In further good news, ‘Child Age’ fares have been increased from a maximum 16yrs of age up to 18yrs of age; and ‘Group Tickets’ for up to 2 adults and 3 children for £5, which could be especially useful during the summer holidays, are still available. 

Finally, the P&R sites are now offering* a new service, ‘Park and Pedal’. This service will see secure bike lockers available on site for those who wish to drive to the P&R sites and then cycle to their final destination. There will be a two month introductory offer of free parking until the end of August (for Park & Pedal customers only); the normal cost of ‘Park & Pedal’ is £3 per day for parking, or there is a £20 per month option which then also includes the use of a secure locker on site. 

Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Councillor Kevin Bentley said “These services are an invaluable way for people traveling from further afield to work, shop and visit our urban centres. The services minimise congestion and contribute towards our environmental goals. I am thrilled that all sites will be back in operation and have some new innovations for our customers”. 

To find out more about all of the P&R services please visit: www.essex.gov.uk/parkandride

*Chelmer Valley from Monday 3 August 2020

To complete this critical phase of works Essex Highways need to make Ipswich Road South one way for traffic leaving northbound from 3rd August until 7th September. The carriageway space this will provide will enable the installation of the southern end of the new strengthened cantilever wall, a major part of the new Ipswich Road roundabout improvements.

We have carefully planned the operation to keep traffic flow possible northbound as this will alleviate congestion for traffic leaving the town whilst the East Gates railway crossing is down.

We would like to thank you for your patience and co-operation whilst we undertake these improvements.

We would encourage residents and businesses to also check the Essex Highways website for the latest updates including any changes to traffic management arrangements: www.essex.gov.uk/majorschemes (follow the link to the A133 Ipswich Road improvement scheme, Colchester’). 

You can also check the @essexhighways twitter feed and one.network for information about other works in the area.

Following June’s successful introduction of temporary Safer, Greener, Healthier public safety measures in Chelmsford city centre, from week commencing 3 August Essex County Council will start to upgrade the existing street equipment used, by introducing new types of semi-permanent barrier and other items that need less maintenance, are more robust, help identification of the new areas and reduce confusion with routine roadworks. 

In June, Essex County Council worked rapidly with Chelmsford City Council to introduce temporary on-street safety measures along key routes in the city centre, to enable people to social distance whilst shopping, working and visiting.

Since the introduction of the initial measures residents, special interest groups and businesses have made suggestions for improvements.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, has listened, taken expert advice and approved scheme modifications which address local needs but also deliver the objective of supporting public safety.

Examples have included built out bus stops in Duke Street to enable bus passengers to get safely on and off the buses; the reinstatement of the splitter island on Victoria Road in the vicinity of The Cathedral School to support safe crossing for children and other pedestrians; and tweaks to barriers to allow better access to certain buildings.

In addition, as we move to the next phase, changes in response to the feedback we have received will also include the provision of a delivery layby on Duke Street to facilitate deliveries to business without hindering the movement of cyclists and vehicles; and clearer signage regarding the 20pmh limits within the area.

Essex Highways is now working to make the changes clearer and easier to maintain and will upgrade existing traffic management equipment being used with ‘semi-permanent’ measures. This will include different forms of barrier and lane separators and other physical measures. Where possible, the semi-permanent changes will be made distinguishable from roadworks. These measures will remain in place whilst long-term plans are considered and developed. 

Feedback and ideas from everyone are still very welcome via SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk as the discussions about longer-term aims and plans to make our streets Safer, Greener and Healthier continue. However the fundamental aims remain the same: to enable people to social distance effectively on busy routes and outside shops; to encourage safer, easier journeys on foot and by bike instead of always opting for the car and to assist with longer-term government plans to reduce congestion and pollution by providing more opportunity to use more sustainable forms of travel.

Councillor Bentley said: “More robust and visually better barriers and signs are useful but what has been really valuable is the public engagement and variety of ideas and comments coming into us from all sides. We had to install these measures at speed once government said go but now we are developing a more mature understanding of what works best for everyone and what will best help us achieve our Safer, Greener and Healthier goals, however we get about.” 

Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, said, “It would be great if we could seize the opportunity to permanently increase the amount of cycling and walking in Chelmsford. It’s healthier for people and better for the environment. These city centre measures go some way towards doing that.” 

Mike Wray, Manager of the One Chelmsford BID, said: “One Chelmsford supports the initiative to make the social distancing measures put in place in Chelmsford city centre semi-permanent. The initiative will continue to assist those cycling and walking in the area, hopefully making people feel relaxed and comfortable whilst going about their business, with more than enough space to comply with government guidance on social distancing”. 

Now is the time to rethink your travel for short journeys to help ease congestion, clean up air pollution, and improve your health. To help you make the change, you can also now visit the Stop. Swap. GO! website to find out more and how you can win prizes with a 60 Day Challenge currently on offer.

There will be new types and colours of semi-permanent barriers and other roadside items which will require less maintenance, will be more robust, will help identification of the new areas and also reduce confusion with routine roadworks.

Since the rapid introduction in June of the initial temporary measures with Colchester Borough Council many people, including residents, special interest groups and businesses have made suggestions for improvements.

The measures have been monitored and a group made up of local councillors has met and discussed various options and concerns.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure said: “We have listened, taken expert advice and approved scheme modifications which address local needs but still deliver the objective of supporting public safety.” 

“More robust and improved barriers and signs are useful but what has been really valuable is the public engagement and variety of ideas and comments coming into us from all sides. We had to install these measures at speed once government said go but now we are developing a more in depth understanding of what works best for everyone and what will best help us achieve our Safer, Greener and Healthier goals.” 

“ Our aim is to enable people to social distance effectively on busy routes and outside shops, to encourage safer, easier journeys on foot and by bike instead of always opting for the car and to assist longer-term government plans to reduce congestion and pollution by providing more opportunity to use sustainable forms of travel.” 

Examples of the upgrades to take place include; adjustments to allow better access to businesses in North Station Road and removal of some trial measures to reduce local congestion in the same area; returning areas of the carriageway back to parking spaces and detailed changes to the cycle route from St Peters St to the High St. An expansion of the 20mph speed limit into adjacent side-streets is also being considered.

Essex Highways is now preparing to make the changes, upgrading existing traffic management equipment to ‘semi-permanent’ measures. This will include different forms of barrier and lane separators and other physical measures. Where possible, the semi-permanent changes will be made distinguishable from roadworks. 

These measures will remain in place whilst long-term plans are considered and developed.

Feedback and ideas are still very welcome via SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk as the discussions about longer-term aims and plans to make our streets Safer, Greener and Healthier continue.

Cllr David King, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, added: “The coronavirus crisis has dramatically altered the way people are using streets in and around the Town Centre, with many more residents walking and cycling to make essential journeys or exercise. It was important, therefore, that we moved quickly and flexibly to launch the ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’ scheme and to put people’s health first. 

“We are grateful for the interest of businesses, residents and local councillors. Their views are helping us adjust and change, as we await the upgraded measures. 

“Further discussions will be held with local business and the Business Improvement District to make this work as well as we can for us all. We can and must reconcile our duty to enable social distancing and pedestrian and cyclist flows, with the need of businesses and residents. We have a shared interest in safeguarding public health, safety and wellbeing, better air quality in the town and the next steps, including more 20 mph zones.” 

Now is the time to rethink your travel for short journeys to help ease congestion, clean up air pollution, and improve your health. To help you make the change, you can also now visit the Stop. Swap. GO! website to find out more and how you can win prizes with a 60 Day Challenge currently on offer.

Construction began in winter 2020 to widen the northern approach of Weeley Roundabout, and to introduce a new left-turn slip at the Frating Roundabout. Other modifications and safety improvements were also carried out on the roads.

Works on these roundabouts were carried out simultaneously, with Weeley finished first in early April, while works continued at Frating Roundabout. 

Jacksons Civil Engineering have now demobilised the site compound at Frating but will revisit the site in the autumn to complete tree planting and landscaping.

Councillor Kevin Bentley said: “This is good news for local people, businesses and commuters as these highway improvements will ease traffic flows and improve the safety along this busy route.”  

“I would like to thank drivers for their patience shown throughout the roundabout improvements.  Wet and windy conditions were a hindrance to the programme earlier in the scheme, followed by the more recent challenges presented by the Covid-19 health emergency.  Fortunately the contractor was able to adjust their working practises to comply with government advice to successfully deliver these works in good time.” 

The work has been funded by Essex County Council and the government’s South East Local Enterprise Partnership who made £3.25m available for the improvements which are designed to support economic growth and provide safety improvements to the route. The re-designed roundabouts also increase journey time reliability by easing traffic flow for motorists.

Drone footage of the scheme can now be viewed on YouTube by following this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkI32SmwQ-E

Essex County Council gave primary school children in Chelmsford the chance to win a prize for them and their school by guessing the weight of the well-known structure, which was a feature of the city’s skyline for more than 40 years. 

Winner Dougie Arben was among 140 children from more than a dozen different schools who entered the competition.

After correctly guessing the 417-tonne weight from four options and being drawn as the winner, the eight-year-old was given a £75 voucher for Evans Cycles, which is located just off the Army and Navy roundabout and kindly donated the prize. 

Dougie's school, Meadgate Primary School, will also receive a scooter storage pod, helping encourage active travel to and from the school. 

The removal of the flyover, which was completed in April, was a crucial step in a new era for transport in the city, with work continuing to develop the right long-term solution for the junction.

Dougie said: “I was very pleased to win the competition and to have got the answer right. I didn’t expect to win. 

“I have used the voucher to buy a new cycle helmet and some cycling accessories. 

“I am really excited to see the scooter pod at school when we return.”  

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Congratulations to Dougie and Meadgate Primary School on winning our competition. 

“We have seen a notable increase in walking and cycling during lockdown and would love that trend to continue. 

“With Chelmsford continuing to grow, other roads in the city centre already near capacity and a lack of space, getting people to think differently about how they travel, particularly for shorter journeys, is vital and will form an essential part of the Army and Navy solution.  

“It is also important to our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and we have introduced various new measures in the city to enable people to walk and cycle safely while maintaining social distancing as part of our Safer, Greener, Healthier scheme. 

“I hope these competition prizes, together with the Safer, Greener, Healthier measures and our new Stop. Swap. GO! campaign, will go some way to encouraging people to walk, cycle and scoot, where they can.” 

Stop. Swap. GO! is an exciting new campaign launched last week which uses incentives to drive behaviour change and increase sustainable travel use throughout the county. Residents across Essex will be able to share their own tips and stories on social media and encourage their peers to take part in a 60 Day Challenge.

Welcoming the launch, Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “The new bypass and station are important pieces of the jigsaw in how we support and manage the growth of the Chelmsford and the surrounding areas over the coming years. 

“The bypass will help better our strategic road network between Chelmsford, Braintree, London Stansted Airport and the wider area as well as improving congestion around the surrounding villages by taking traffic off the local roads. 

“The station will help reduce pressure on Chelmsford station and the need to drive into the city centre. It will also provide a transport hub for people travelling on the Great Eastern mainline and into London or wishing to access public transport or walking and cycling networks.” 

South East Local Enterprise Partnership Chairman, Chris Brodie said: “The station and north east bypass have been long talked about for Chelmsford and the need for the investment is clear, these investments will reduce congestion in the town centre and relieve pressure at the station, one of the busiest commuter stations in the country. 

“It will also make a clear difference for the wider area and improve connectivity and journey times for other regional road routes. 

“It is really important that the public and businesses across the wider area are able to access information on the plans, and for them to understand the improvements that can be made here and to have their say.” 

The new 8km bypass, running between the A131 close to Great Leighs and the A12 at Boreham, will remove traffic from the B1008 in Broomfield village, Essex Regiment Way and rural routes to the east and west, while also supporting the ongoing development of Beaulieu. The provision of the bypass will also support and encourage sustainable transport options along these routes.

Chelmsford Station, meanwhile, is the busiest two-platform station outside London with 8.5 million passenger trips per year. Creating a new three-platform station at Beaulieu will help ease pressure on the station. Through reducing the need to travel into Chelmsford City Centre, there will also be up to 900 vehicles taken out of the city centre each morning peak, improving capacity on the road network.

More details on the two schemes will be launched on Monday 13 July through a specially created ‘virtual village hall’ - a web-based exhibition created specifically for the scheme which will run until Friday 21 August 2020. Here, you will also be able to access a film which provides more information and a ‘fly-through’ of the schemes. 

For further information and to access the virtual event, visit www.essex.gov.uk/chelmsford-north-east-bypass. For enquiries, email cneb@essexhighways.org.

More Colchester businesses and homes are getting ultrafast broadband, thanks to a £3.5 million ultrafast broadband project being implemented by Colchester Borough Council and its wholly owned company, Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd, using funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. A smarter way of installing the necessary extra capacity has been found, which meant digging up less of the road and pavement in the High Street. Work there is now complete, so contractors Henderson and Taylor can begin work from Monday 20th to replace and re-grout and seal slabs on the pavements.  

Essex Highway is managing the work, which will take about 12 weeks, funded by a partnership of Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council.

The repair works will be done at night, from 7pm to 6am, in sections, moving quickly along the street. The noisiest work will be completed before 11.30pm. New colour-coordinated slabs will replace any damaged areas with grouting and sealing to prevent damage in future. Contractors will work Sunday to Thursday nights to avoid any issues for late-night businesses who are particularly busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Careful coordination with night-time businesses will avoid problems and people will be able to walk past throughout. Officers from Colchester Borough Council will be talking to residents and business owners directly affected to ensure that there is little or no inconvenience or loss of access to premises for customers.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, added: “Colchester Council and Amphora Trading have found an efficient solution to broadband upgrades, and have freed up an earlier start date for our work. We will ensure that the pavements are greatly improved and future-proofed with minimum inconvenience to traders and public. Colchester has a great future beyond these still tough times now.”

Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Council’s Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “I’m very pleased that this work to improve Colchester High Street, which will make it a more attractive place for people to visit and shop, is happening earlier than planned, through our jointly funded project with the County Council. We want to ensure the town centre remains a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. There are better times ahead!”

Stop. Swap. GO! is a campaign led by Essex County Council, aiming to drive behaviour change and increase sustainable travel in the county. The project launches today (Monday 6 July) and will feature content across the official Stop. Swap. GO!  social media channels, with a new website going live on Wednesday 8 July.

The aim of this campaign is to make it easier and more motivating for Essex residents to switch from car to more sustainable travel choices in the future.

This campaign builds upon temporary work which is now installed in town and city centres across Essex which increase space for social distancing and encourages walking, cycling and bus use.   

As part of the campaign, residents from across the county will be able to share their own sustainable travel stories and tips on social media, find further information on local cycle and walking routes, tap in to initiatives and resources, and sign up to take part in a ground-breaking 60-day sustainable travel challenge, where prizes are on offer. The campaign will grow and develop over time.

Stop. Swap. GO! will also work in partnership with local bus operators to increase bus use within the county, feeding back information from its community, to make it easier for people to use buses. The campaign will be informed by both the latest research into travel behaviour and behavioural science insights.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Sustainable Travel, said: “As we come out of lockdown, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to greatly improve our air quality and our health as well as the life opportunities for the next generation. 

“The way we do all these things is by helping people to switch from car travel to active and sustainable travel, walking, cycling and using buses. To create that behaviour change we need a framework for people, communities and businesses to engage with, a space to share experiences, tips and encouragement. 

“Stop. Swap. GO!  will provide that framework, building on Essex County Council’s already forward-thinking strategic travel policies and initiatives. This campaign will allow all residents to share their travel stories and create a community which can work together to improving active and sustainable travel in Essex.” 

For more information about Stop. Swap. GO! follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram.

Initially there will run to a reduced timetable, and services will only be provided from the Sandon P&R site in Chelmsford, and the Colchester P&R Site at the Junction 28 of the A12. The two sites will provide services between 7am-7pm Monday to Saturday, but passengers are advised to check the website or Social Media before traveling for any updates or changes, which could occur due to essential operation reasons.

The Chelmer Valley Site in Chelmsford, which had been used to house a temporary mortuary during COVID19, will not provide services at the current time. However, it will once again become operational at a later date when the necessary preparations have been made and it is safe to reopen the site.

Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Councillor Kevin Bentley said “We have worked hard to ensure that the temporary closure of our Park and Ride services due to COVID19 restrictions were kept to a minimum, and the Sandon and Colchester sites now look forward to welcoming passengers back. The services are valued, high quality and sustainable public transport that help to reduce congestion and contribute to a cleaner environment in line with our Green Infrastructure Strategy.” 

The services will be operating in line with current government Social Distancing requirements and therefore there may be a slightly longer wait to board a vehicle due to reduce capacity onboard passengers are advised to be patient and follow advice from service staff;  however a new queuing system will be introduced to make the process as efficient and safe as possible. In addition, the P&R site will soon also benefit from another new service; the ‘Park and Pedal’. The service will be available shortly, with a two month introductory offer of free parking (for Park & Pedal customers only); the normal cost of Park & Pedal is £3 per day for parking, or there is a £20 per month option which then also includes the use of a secure locker on site.  

Using funding from the Department of Transport, Essex pedestrians and cyclists are now starting to reap the benefits of the ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’ investment helping residents move safely around Essex. 

Working with local councils and other organisations, Essex County Council has been introducing improvements and expansion to the current cycling and walking urban environment, changing parts of the road network and extending safe, accessible areas in towns.

To support this, ECC have now developed a Covid-19 transport recovery plan that will:

• Enable people to move safely around the county again, while adhering to social distancing guidelines
• Support business in Essex to re-start trading and assist ongoing economic recovery
• Encourage a sustainable safer, greener, healthier approach to travel in the county

As residents emerge from lockdown with more and more businesses open and increasing numbers of people returning to work, Essex Highways wants to ensure the health and safety of all residents, prevent further infection, encourage healthier travel choices and help tackle the climate emergency and air quality challenges we all face.

Over the next few months the plan will:

• Enhance safe routes for pedestrians and people who cycle
• Reduce speed limits to 20 mph in agreed locations
• Improve existing pedestrian and cycle routes
• Encourage local residents to consider more active and healthier travel choices in preference to personal motor transport, where possible

A second phase of funding will focus on longer-term transport upgrades and will address increasing active travel. Opportunities under consideration include:

• Sustainable transport to/from schools, using ‘school streets’ measures
• New Park and Ride sites
• Trialling e-scooters when legal and provision of more electric car charging points
• Publicising ECC’s cycling and walking strategy
• Establishment of Rapid Transit routes in Essex, initially associated with Garden Communities

These longer-term schemes will make cycling, walking and public transport more accessible and safer by increasing road space for non-motor transport.

The initiatives support ECC’s long-term aim to bring about a permanent shift to more active and sustainable travel. 

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, highlighted the opportunities to transform Essex.

Cllr Bentley said: “We have a real opportunity here to make a difference. We want to transform the way Essex residents travel and this funding will enable us to make our county into a place where many more journeys are made by people cycling who feel safer, and pedestrians who have improved routes, and where communities and the workplace are connected for a more sustainable future.” 

The full plan document and a shorter Executive Summary are available online at www.essex.gov.uk/safer-greener-healthier.

Called ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’, these schemes aim to provide bigger, safer spaces for city centre shoppers, residents, workers and visitors to maintain social distance. Measures will be constantly reviewed and altered if required. 

Measures in Brentwood will include:

• Closing the High St to vehicles from the A128 Ingrave Road to Kings Road. Only buses & cycles 9am-6pm. General traffic, incl taxis & private hire vehicles will not have access to the High Street between 9am & 6pm, except via St Thomas Rd. The High St from St Thomas Rd to the A128 Ingrave Rd will be available for all vehicles to use, eastbound traffic only, to keep St Thomas Road open at its junction with High Street.
• The Limited Waiting bays on St Thomas Road are to be converted into blue-badge holders only bays. The taxi bays will remain as they are.
• There will be diversions around the High St: vehicles coming from Brentwood rail station (south of Kings Rd) will head north on Kings Rd into Weald Rd, right onto Western Rd, right into William Hunter Way, right onto A128 Ongar Rd then left onto Shenfield Rd, and vice versa. On Street parking at the top of Kings Road will be suspended for the duration of the pedestrianisation.
• Visitors can use the nearby Chatham Way car park, William Hunter Way car park or Coptfold Road multi-storey car park, which all offer free 30-minute parking. For more information about the location of car parks and current parking fees, please visit www.brentwood.gov.uk/parking . If you have any queries please contact Brentwood Council via email using business@brentwood.gov.uk
• Between 9am and 6pm deliveries to businesses on the High St will now be to the rear of the properties, as discussed with the businesses by Brentwood Council.
• Traffic signal timings at the western end of the High St will be changed to reflect the road closure. Public Safety signs will be put up where appropriate, plus barriers and other traffic management measures.
• In Ingatestone, a 20 mph limit will be applied around the High St, with precise locations to be determined.

The Brentwood schemes, like others planned across Essex, is driven by immediate public health requirements such as social distancing, but in encouraging walking and cycling it will enable healthier and greener ways of getting around. Data on streets in UK and elsewhere where the pedestrian experience has been improved shows footfall increasing 20-35 per cent, with sales increases following.

Mike Hawkins, Chair of the Brentwood Business Partnership said: "Our partnership is supporting businesses through this difficult time in a number of ways, including by launching the Brentwood Open group on Facebook to help keep our local high streets trading for essential goods and services. The group is a space for businesses to promote their current offers, share news and let people know how they're trading during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has gained over 5,500 members during lockdown so far. We must back our businesses so we maintain a strong economy whilst staying safe. 

“To this end we have expanded the Brentwood Open brand in partnership with the Council, sharing the message to Eat Local, Shop Local and Support Local. We are working together to keep people safe. Providing more space for people to move on the High Street is the next step in enabling an environment for businesses to safely open. Whilst there will be some issues to overcome, we have had overwhelming support for this measure and are looking forward to working with the Council to make it a success for Brentwood Town." 

Colin Barber, Chairman of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce said: "Brentwood has a variety of businesses, including retailers on the High Street. Brentwood Chamber of Commerce represents businesses who are trying to reopen and operate in challenging times. The High Street is an important location for the local economy and it is vital that people feel safe to do business and shop where appropriate. 

“Allowing pedestrians to have more space will be an important part of helping shops to reopen safely and help us return to some kind of normal. This is an excellent initiative and takes advantage of an ideal opportunity to look at new ways of invigorating Brentwood High Street." 

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health, Essex County Council explains:

“Providing space for the public to practice safe social distancing remains a core part of the measures we need to limit the spread of coronavirus. Helping people to social distance in traditionally busy urban areas will help immediate public safety; it will also make it easier as businesses re-open. 

“Walking and cycling are healthy activities in their own right, they can help to lessen traffic congestion and consequently improve air quality, so these new measures are very supportive of societal demand.” 

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said:

“We have responded directly to people’s need for safety and the many who are already increasing the use of pavements and cycle lanes. While I recognise that many people will still need to use their cars, this is a chance to think hard about driving for short journeys. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to greatly improve our air quality and our health as well as the life opportunities for the next generation. 

“Brentwood is among the first county schemes in the country to use this money to help people confidently return to shop and work, as lockdown measures continue to be carefully eased.” 

Brentwood Borough Council Leader, Cllr Chris Hossack said:

“I thank Essex County Council and its Highways department for putting this into place so quickly. It is no mean feat given the busy thoroughfare that is the high street and Brentwood’s geographical position on the A12, A127 and M25. It is a credit to all those involved that this has been achieved at speed to best help promote our vital high street economy. Safety for all those who come to Brentwood is our primary objective and from Saturday shoppers will have the additional reassurance of being able to use the main road and enjoy the experience free from most traffic. I encourage them to do just that while observing the requirements for social distancing of course.” 

The total money that could be made available to Essex by the Government if further plans are approved is up to £9.6m. 

Why not log your cycle ride on some of the enhanced routes for National Bike Month and let others in Essex know what you’re doing too at www.lovetoride.net/essex?

People can share comments on the measures with Essex and Brentwood councils at SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk

Please see the full map and scheme details on our website at: www.essex.gov.uk/safer-greener-healthier

Essex County Council and Epping Forest District Council have worked together after it was suggested that an interim pedestrianisation, with cycling allowed, would bring a much-needed boost to the stores now they are free to reopen. Work to install the new measures is planned to start on Tuesday 30 June. The changes are paid for by Government as part of national work to re-open town centres safely.

Called ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’, these schemes aim to provide bigger, safer spaces for city centre shoppers, residents, workers and visitors to maintain social distance. Measures will be constantly reviewed and altered if required. Some disabled bays and loading bays will be retained and notices advertising the changes will be put up in the High Street. 

The Epping scheme, like others planned across Essex, is driven by immediate public health requirements such as social distancing, but in encouraging walking and cycling it will enable healthier and greener ways of getting around. Data on streets in UK and elsewhere where the pedestrian experience has been improved shows footfall increasing 20-35 per cent, with sales increases following.

As part of these works to install social distancing measures along Station Road, removal of the zebra crossing central islands, bollards and belisha beacon will need to be untaken. The removal of these islands will allow for the carriageway to be narrowed and the pavement area to be increased. This section of the work is anticipated to take approximately 1 night, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting.

During these works, Station Road will be closed to vehicles between the High Street and Hemnall Street. The closure will be in place from 7pm on the Wednesday 1st July until 5:00am on Thursday 2nd July. Confirmation of the date for the closure and any additional closures will be displayed on advance works noticeboards nearer the time. The closure of Station Road is necessary to carry out works in a safe manner. Unfortunately, some of the works will create noise and traffic congestion and we apologise in advance for any disturbance caused.  

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health, Essex County Council explains:

“Providing space for the public to practice safe social distancing remains a core part of the measures we need to limit the spread of coronavirus. Helping people to social distance in traditionally busy urban areas will help immediate public safety; it will also make it easier as businesses re-open. 

“Walking and cycling are healthy activities in their own right, they can help to lessen traffic congestion and consequently improve air quality, so these new measures are very supportive of societal demand.” 

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said:

“We have responded directly to people’s need for safety and the many who are already increasing the use of pavements and cycle lanes. While I recognise that many people will still need to use their cars, this is a chance to think hard about driving for short journeys. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to greatly improve our air quality and our health as well as the life opportunities for the next generation. 

“Epping Forest’s is among the first county schemes in the country to use this money to help people confidently return to shop and work, as lockdown measures continue to be carefully eased.” 

Epping Forest District Council Leader, Chris Whitbread said: “Long-term, everyone’s wellbeing and livelihood depends on getting business back on its feet. 

“Creating safer spaces for people to practice social distancing is crucial to limiting the spread of coronavirus, particularly on our High Streets. These measures will support immediate public safety and assist in the re-opening of shops and businesses.” 

Councillor Aniket Patel, Epping Forest Council’s Cabinet Member for Commercial and Regulatory Services, said: “These measures are targeted at areas with high footfall, to ensure that they are safe and healthy places for our residents to move through now that shops and businesses are re-opening. Our Council supports local business and we will continue to do everything we can to help regenerate the local economy.” 

The total money that could be made available to Essex by the Government if further plans are approved is up to £9.6m. 

Why not log your cycle ride on some of the enhanced routes for National Bike Month and let others in Essex know what you’re doing too at www.lovetoride.net/essex?

People can share comments on the measures with Essex and Epping Forest councils at SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk  or at https://efdcsaferspacescovid19.commonplace.is/

Please see the full details on our website at: www.essex.gov.uk/safer-greener-healthier

Roads which are normally closed to vehicles on market days will also be closed Monday-Saturdays from 7am to 6pm.  Saffron Walden Town Council staff will manage those road closures, installing bollards as necessary and being available to remove them if emergency access is required. 

In addition to the market road closures, Cross Street (by Dorringtons) will also be closed. (See attached map). Existing on-street parking, waiting and loading bays on the above-mentioned roads are suspended while roads are closed. Disabled badge holders can park in designated bays on the east side of Market St.

Working together, and adding to public safety measures introduced elsewhere, the three councils are introducing these speed limits as part of the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’ environment for shoppers and other pedestrians and cyclists. 

The new lower speed limits aim to encourage people to support their local businesses by increasing pedestrian and cyclist confidence when having to avoid other people, particularly where traffic is passing.

The measures will be monitored to assess their effectiveness and may be tweaked or amended as part of the ‘test and learn’ approach Essex County Council are using across all the Safer, Greener, Healthier measures being introduced to many towns across the county. 

The project is funded by part of the initial £1.9m Emergency Active Travel Fund for Essex announced by the government for such schemes. 

The Saffron Walden scheme, like others being introduced across the county, is driven by immediate public health requirements such as social distancing, but in encouraging walking and cycling it will enable healthier, more sustainable ways of getting around locally.

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health, Essex County Council explains:

“Providing a good environment for the public to practice safe social distancing remains a core part of the measures we need to limit the spread of coronavirus. Helping people to social distance in traditionally busy urban areas will help immediate public safety; it will also make it easier as businesses resume trading. 

“Walking and cycling are healthy activities in their own right, they can help to lessen traffic congestion and consequently improve air quality, so these new measures are very supportive of societal demand.” 

Shara Vickers, Chair of the Saffron Walden BID, said: “We are delighted to see that shoppers are coming back into town using our local businesses since lockdown has eased. The statistics show that Covid-19 is a real catalyst for change so that people want to support the local business community that's been there for them. We are grateful to ECC for their cooperation, swift response and action to make Saffron Walden safe.” 

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Safety is the reason why we are introducing a 20pmh speed restriction in the centre of Saffron Walden. We want to keep people safe from COVID-19 infection while they visit the shops and businesses in Saffron Walden and this is how we are going to do it. 

“While I recognise many people will still need to use their cars, this is a chance for all to think hard about driving for short journeys. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to greatly improve our air quality and our health as well as the life opportunities for the next generation. 

“Saffron Walden is among the first towns in Essex to get such a scheme, we’re using this money to help people confidently return to shop and work, as lockdown measures continue to be carefully eased.” 

Cllr John Lodge, Leader of Uttlesford District Council, said: “Helping our high streets to reopen safely has been a key focus for the council, and therefore welcome these temporary changes which will give shoppers the confidence to return to the town centre and to continue to support local businesses. We look forward to working with Essex County Council and other partners on further measures to improve pedestrian safety and green travel in the district.” 

The total money that could be made available to Essex by the Government if further plans are approved is up to £9.6m. 

People can share comments on the measures with Essex, Uttlesford and Saffron Walden Councils, please send an email to SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk

See more about the Safer, Greener, Healthier measures on Essex Highways’ website at: www.essex.gov.uk/safer-greener-healthier

Details of the measures can be found on the Town Council’s website at https://saffronwalden.gov.uk/news/a/road-closures-in-saffron-walden-from-15-june-2020/

Called ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’, these schemes aim to provide bigger, safer spaces for city centre shoppers, residents, workers and visitors to maintain social distance. Measures will be installed in Braintree from Wednesday 24th June and will be constantly reviewed and altered if required. 

The measures in Braintree, like others planned across Essex, are driven by immediate public health requirements such as social distancing, and in encouraging walking and cycling will enable healthier and greener ways of getting around. Data on streets in UK and elsewhere where the pedestrian experience has been improved shows footfall increasing 20-35 per cent, with sales increases following.

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health, Essex County Council explains:

“Providing space for the public to practice safe social distancing remains a core part of the measures we need to limit the spread of coronavirus. Helping people to social distance in traditionally busy urban areas will help immediate public safety; it will also make it easier as businesses re-open. 

“Walking and cycling are healthy activities in their own right, they can help to lessen traffic congestion and consequently improve air quality, so these new measures are very supportive of societal demand.” 

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Safety is the reason why we are introducing a 20pmh speed restriction in the centre of Braintree. We want to keep people safe from COVID-19 infection while they visit the shops and businesses in Braintree and this is how we are going to do it. 

“While I recognise many people will still need to use their cars, this is a chance for all to think hard about driving for short journeys. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to greatly improve our air quality and our health as well as the life opportunities for the next generation. 

“Braintree is among the first towns in Essex to get such a scheme, we’re using this money to help people confidently return to shop and work, as lockdown measures continue to be carefully eased.” 

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Deputy Leader of Braintree Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “Supporting our town centres to re-open safely for both shoppers and businesses is a key focus for us right now. I would like to thank Essex County Council and its Highways department for putting up the new signage which will support our social distancing measures already in place in Braintree town centre. 

“We’re keen for people to return to the town centre to visit and shop, and we remain committed to complete the pedestrianisation improvement works already underway, but it’s still so important to shop safely and responsibly – to keep following social distancing guidelines and respecting measures local businesses have put in place to protect the safety of their staff and shoppers.” 

The total money that could be made available to Essex by the Government if further plans are approved is up to £9.6m. 

Why not log your cycle ride on some of the enhanced routes for National Bike Month and let others in Essex know what you’re doing too at www.lovetoride.net/essex

People can share comments on the measures with Essex and Braintree councils at SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk

Please see the full map and scheme details on our website at: www.essex.gov.uk/safer-greener-healthier

Ipswich Road (south) was opened early as piling works were completed ahead of schedule. Harwich Rd (south) is currently closed until the 29th June to allow key construction works to be completed.

All the engineering work on the A133 St Andrews Avenue and Harwich Rd roundabout, to widen the road to two full lanes in both directions, will be finished during the summer as planned.

Work to strengthen the retaining wall at the south-west side of the Ipswich Road roundabout follows on from the piling to join to the Cowdray Avenue rail bridge.

Whilst completing these works, Engineers have found issues with the bridge that will require fixing.

Essex Highways are currently carrying out further investigation work, with a view to completing further remedial measures to the railway bridge. This can be done without the need for further road closures using the existing traffic management around the Ipswich Rd roundabout.

Whilst finding this issue isn’t helpful to the works on site, it is good news that this was discovered now as our project team is best placed to absorb this extra job within the scheme and create the necessary space to resolve this issue without future significant road closures. 

Unfortunately, this does mean that we are unable to complete the Ipswich Road roundabout section until the bridge issues have been resolved.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Engineers have reacted to what would otherwise have been a huge issue, potentially causing major disruption on our network. 

“They have found the problems with the bridge over the railway now, so that we can get on to establish exactly what needs to be done to keep the bridge safe while we have the space available with our current traffic management system. If this hadn’t been found at this point it is certain we would have had to come back and close roads and dig up some of the new road layout again. 

“I am grateful for the expertise of our engineers and contractors so that we have avoided these problems. In reality we would have had to repair the bridge in the near future, so in fact we are saving months of future disruption and closure of Cowdray Avenue.” 

Structures engineers will now carry out urgent investigations and start repair work on the railway bridge, following arrangements made with Network Rail. Depending on precisely what works are required on the bridge, the whole project is expected to be finished, with improved traffic flow through the whole area towards the latter part of 2020. Harwich Road roundabout up to Ipswich Road roundabout is still planned to be completed this summer.

In Billericay a 20mph zone will extend along the B1007 High St, from its junction with Sun Street/A129 London Road, northwards to its junction with Norsey Road/Western Road.

In Wickford, a 20mph zone will extend along High St, from its junction with A129 London Road, northwards to its junction with Wickford Station access road.

Working together, and adding to public safety measures introduced elsewhere, Essex County Council and Basildon Council are introducing these speed limits as part of the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’ environment for shoppers and other pedestrians and cyclists. 

The new lower speed limits aim to encourage people to support their local businesses by increasing pedestrian and cyclist confidence when having to avoid other people, particularly where traffic is passing.

The measures will be monitored to assess their effectiveness and may be tweaked or amended as part of the ‘test and learn’ approach Essex County Council are using across all the Safer, Greener, Healthier measures being introduced to many towns across the county. 

The project is funded by part of the initial £1.9m Emergency Active Travel Fund for Essex announced by the government for such schemes. 

The Wickford and Billericay schemes, like others being introduced across the county, are driven by immediate public health requirements such as social distancing, but in encouraging walking and cycling it will enable healthier, more sustainable ways of getting around locally.

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health at Essex County Council, explains: “Providing a good environment for the public to practice safe social distancing remains a core part of the measures we need to limit the spread of coronavirus. Helping people to social distance in traditionally busy urban areas will help immediate public safety; it will also make it easier as businesses resume trading. 

“Walking and cycling are healthy activities in their own right, they can help to lessen traffic congestion and consequently improve air quality, so these new measures are very supportive of societal demand.” 

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Safety is the reason why we are introducing a 20pmh speed restriction on Billericay and Wickford High Streets. 

“We want to keep people safe from COVID-19 infection while they visit the shops and businesses on Billericay and Wickford High Streets and this is how we are going to do it. 

“While I recognise many people will still need to use their cars, this is a chance for all to think hard about driving for short journeys. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to greatly improve our air quality and our health as well as the life opportunities for the next generation. 

“Wickford and Billericay are among the first towns in Essex to get such schemes, we’re using this money to help people confidently return to shop and work, as lockdown measures continue to be carefully eased.” 

Councillor Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, said: “In these extraordinary times anything that we can do to help pedestrians maintain social distancing and remain safe from traffic – all while supporting and stimulating our High Streets – is a big win. 

“This trial will help balance the needs of many people and ease our way back into a new normal. Basildon Council is dedicated to finding solutions that work for Billericay and Wickford residents and that keep our borough strong – and this is a great example of cooperation between residents, retailers and the councils. 

“We have been holding regular Zoom meetings with local retailers and they are a good way for us to review how these changes are working. 

“We remain committed to fully pedestrianising Wickford High Street at weekends and hope this is something that comes out of this period of review.” 

The total money that could be made available to Essex by the Government if further plans are approved is up to £9.6m. 

People can share comments on the measures with Essex and Basildon Councils at SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk

See more about the Safer, Greener, Healthier measures on Essex Highways’ website at: www.essex.gov.uk/safer-greener-healthier

Roads affected include Fullbridge, from its junction with Market Hill to a point close to Mill Lane, plus the entire lengths of Baker Mews; Bull Lane; Cromwell Lane; Edward Bright Close; Market Hill; High Street; Mill Lane; Old Mill Close; Saxon Court; and Tait Mews.

Working together, and adding to public safety measures introduced elsewhere, Essex County Council and Maldon District Council are introducing these speed limits as part of the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide a ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’ environment for shoppers and other pedestrians and cyclists. 

Along with measures already introduced locally, the new lower speed limits aim to encourage people to support their local businesses by increasing pedestrian and cyclist confidence when having to avoid other people, particularly where traffic is passing.

The new limits will be monitored to assess their effectiveness and may be tweaked or amended as part of the ‘test and learn’ approach Essex County Council are using across all the Safer, Greener, Healthier measures being introduced to many towns across the county. Further measures that could be introduced in Maldon are still being discussed. 

The project is funded by part of the initial £1.9m Emergency Active Travel Fund for Essex announced by the government for such schemes. 

The Maldon scheme, like others being introduced across the county, is driven by immediate public health requirements such as social distancing, but in encouraging walking and cycling it will enable healthier, more sustainable ways of getting around locally.

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health, Essex County Council, explains: “Providing a good environment for the public to practice safe social distancing remains a core part of the measures we need to limit the spread of coronavirus. Helping people to social distance in traditionally busy urban areas will help immediate public safety; it will also make it easier as businesses resume trading. 

“Walking and cycling are healthy activities in their own right, they can help to lessen traffic congestion and consequently improve air quality, so these new measures are very supportive of societal demand.” 

Chris Harvey, author of the Maldon District's Walking Guides and a Maldon High Street Volunteer said “The District (and town) of Maldon are great for walking, from coastal paths to historic and independent high streets. Promoting walking, active lifestyles and improving the safety of walkers/pedestrians are absolutely vital considerations at this time. A reduced 20 mph speed limit in Maldon would definitely be a great start.” 

Peter Bate, Land Manager, Sustrans, East of England said “The introduction of an interim 20pmh speed limit in Maldon is good news for cyclists. The historic town of Maldon is a wonderful part of Sustrans National Cycle Network but Maldon’s bustling high street is challenging and we are supportive of measures that support active travel in the area.” 

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Safety is the reason why we are introducing a 20pmh speed restriction in the centre of Maldon. We want to keep people safe from COVID-19 infection while they visit the shops and businesses in Maldon and this is how we are going to do it. 

“While I recognise many people will still need to use their cars, this is a chance for all to think hard about driving for short journeys. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to greatly improve our air quality and our health as well as the life opportunities for the next generation. 

“Maldon is among the first towns in Essex to get such a scheme, we’re using this money to help people confidently return to shop and work, as lockdown measures continue to be carefully eased.” 

Cllr Adrian Fluker, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: “Helping our High Street businesses to reopen safely has been a key focus for us. I am delighted that we have been able to work with Essex County Council to implement a number of measures to enable Maldon High Street to be a safer and greener place for visitors and businesses alike and we are ambitious to do even more.”  

The total money that could be made available to Essex by the Government if further plans are approved is up to £9.6m. 

People can share comments on the measures with Essex and Basildon Councils at SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk

See more about the Safer, Greener, Healthier measures on Essex Highways’ website at: www.essex.gov.uk/safer-greener-healthier

An Essex Highways spokesperson said: “These safer, greener, healthier measures have been introduced in response to the Governments instruction to provide and promote social distancing measures both within town centres and their key accesses to support public health and reduce the spread of Covid19. 

“The main station to the town centre corridor along North Station Rd is considered an important transport corridor with high footfall, especially as we see the return of non-essential retail from the 15th June. 

“There have been discussions with the district council, Colchester BID, and the measures proposed have been road safety audited before being implemented on site. 

“Deliveries to businesses are allowed. Some parking spaces have been left to support businesses, but to create space to enable social distancing, particularly where the footways are narrow, it has been necessary to reduce the provision. 

“The 20mph speed limit has been introduced along the entire corridor to help promote a safer environment and recognise the reduction in the overall road widths. 

“The initial measures are created using traditional traffic management equipment; This ensures compliance with legislative requirements for the highway, while also enabling the initial measures to be easily amended if necessary. 

“The intention is that over the next few weeks the measures will be monitored and feedback through the official website and email address will be reviewed before the current temporary barriers are replaced by green barriers, to distinguish them from roadworks and highlight the safer, greener and healthier aspects of this scheme. 

“This replacement traffic management equipment will reflect the use of more bespoke coloured signing, lining and bollards, which will be easier to maintain and reflect a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the temporary social distancing measures in place.”  

People can share comments on the measures with Essex and Colchester councils at SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk

For all the details about the active travel measures see the full map and scheme details on our website at: www.essex.gov.uk/safer-greener-healthier

Responding directly to the current COVID 19 pandemic the plans allow people to self-distance and still travel safely by creating new lanes for cycling and walking in Colchester.

The launch date for this revolution in motion is set for Monday 15th June, with activity taking place in the town from Tuesday 9th June. The project will ensure areas of the Town Centre with some of the highest footfall are safe and healthy places to move through, following the easing of lockdown restrictions and the re-opening of shops and businesses.

Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council have taken their lead from many hundreds of people who have been cycling and walking more on short distances.

As a result, teams from the two councils have been working together to design and implement one of the first projects to make town centre public spaces safer for people. Called ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’, the schemes aim to provide bigger, safer spaces for city centre shoppers, residents, workers and visitors to be able to social distance. 

A series of interim traffic measures in Colchester to create more shared space for walking and cycling will be introduced starting from 15th June.

20mph limits, temporary barriers and signs providing shared spaces will be introduced on the High Street, Queen Steet/St Botolph’s, Head Street, St Johns Street and other town centre roads, and on the vital corridor between the main rail station and town centre, including North Station Road and North Hill. 

The project is funded by part of the initial £1.9m Emergency Active Travel Fund for Essex recently announced by Government for such schemes. 

The Colchester scheme, like others planned across Essex, is driven by immediate public health requirements such as social distancing, but in encouraging walking and cycling it will enable healthier and greener ways of getting around.

All the plans have been shared with the local BID (Business Improvement District), health experts, cycling and walking Groups and leaders from all local political parties.

Colchester Cycle Campaign and Walk Colchester said: “We welcome the measures being proposed in the Town Centre and North Station Road that reduce traffic and give extra space for pedestrians to socially distance. 

“It is vital to create space in the shopping areas where people can queue to go into stores, as well as eat and drink outside the town centre's many food outlets. 

“We look forward to being able to work with Essex County Council as it puts in improvements in future phases of this scheme.” 

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health, Essex County Council, explained: “Providing space for the public to practice safe social distancing remains a core part of the measures we need to limit the spread of coronavirus. Helping people to social distance in traditionally busy urban areas will help immediate public safety; it will also make it easier as businesses re-open. 

“Walking and cycling are also healthy activities in their own right and can help lessen traffic congestion and consequently improve air quality, so these new measures are very supportive of societal demand.” 

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “We have responded directly to people’s safety and their lead in increasing the use of cycle lands and pavements. While I recognise that many people will still need to use their cars this is a chance for people to think hard about driving over short distances. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to greatly improve our air quality and our health as well as the life opportunities for the next generation. 

“Colchester is one of the first County schemes in the country to use this money to help keep people confidently return to shop and work, as lockdown measures continue to be carefully eased.” 

Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, added: “These strange times give us the opportunity to restart in a safer and greener way. Colchester Borough Council has worked hard during the crisis to keep people safe and now we want to give people the confidence to come back into the town centre, but in a healthier, greener and less polluting way. We are working with Essex County Council on the first steps of an ambitious plan to radically improve cycling and walking access in and around the town centre. 

“We face difficulties with the historic nature of the town and the growth in the borough, but we must now ensure that traffic and pollution don’t go back to the same old ways. We are backing the County Council’s plans, which have gained support from cross-party leaders. This is very much seen as a first step, and I hope we can work with the cycling and walking campaign groups to help develop the plans further, making it easier and safer to take the healthy options of travelling in Colchester.”

Bus routes, taxi bays and delivery access in the streets included in the scheme will be maintained wherever possible, although parking may be suspended.

The total money that could be made available to Essex by the Government if further plans are approved is up to £9.6m. 

Why not log your cycle ride on some of the enhanced routes for National Bike Week at www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek/7daysofcycling and let others in Essex know what you’re doing too at www.lovetoride.net/essex?

People can share comments on the measures with Essex and Chelmsford councils at SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk

Please see the full map and scheme details on our website at: www.essex.gov.uk/safer-greener-healthier

The £1.9m from the Emergency Active Travel fund will allow Essex County Council to enhance current cycle lanes and pavements and create new ones. Everybody has the chance to improve the environment, create cleaner air and reduce congestion by, cycling and walking more, if they are able, using the car only if they have to or have no other means of transport over short distances. 

At present, many town and city centre roads in Essex are empty or have dramatically less traffic, although as lockdown restrictions get gradually lifted it is anticipated that traffic levels will increase, but perhaps not back to pre-coronavirus levels. However many pavements and cycleways in Essex are too narrow to allow social distancing, so change is necessary to encourage new, healthier ways of travelling locally.

In order to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists more, Essex Highways is planning to utilise some road space by making temporary changes to the road network in Essex town and city centres to benefit users and residents.

The first tranche of funding from the Emergency Active Travel Fund, £1.9m has been received by Essex County Council. It is understood by the authority that this will represent approximately 20 per cent of the final funding which will be supplied by the Department for Transport. 

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “This is a real opportunity for people to change the areas where they live by improving the air quality and getting healthier. With the lockdown so many people have commented how much quieter areas are and how much fresher the air smells. 

“While I absolutely recognise that many people will have to use their cars in the future, this is opportunity for people to think hard before they drive and ask themselves the question, can I walk or cycle? Our job is to make that as easy as we can given the size of the county. 

“I am delighted with this announcement of £1.9m and I am expecting the Government to offer more given the importance of this issue and this opportunity to change the way we travel.” 

“We have a responsibility to provide adequate physical distance in town and city centres to maintain social distancing and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. 

“The Government’s advice is that people who can work from home should continue to do so and we will continue to remind employers of this. 

“At the same time, for people who have no choice but to travel to work, journeys both on public transport and by car need to be managed and footways and cycle ways need to be safe and accommodate social distancing. 

“We want to help people get back to work and we want to help the economy get back up and running – we can do that by making it safer for people to move around our busiest town centres. 

“Our longer-term ambition is to maintain lower levels of private car use in urban areas, so that walking and cycling becomes the preferred choice for shorter journeys. We’ll be talking to cycling and walking groups in Essex to garner their input and this approach will also lead to an improvement in city and town centre air quality.” 

A key infrastructure requirement of proposals for future housing and employment space,  the road will be completed by 2024.

Announcing the route, a variant of Option ‘1C’, Leader of the Council David Finch said: “Within the consultation last year we set out a number of feasible options for the new road.  We have looked closely at the comments given, as well as the environmental, cost and engineering considerations, all of which form an important part of the decision-making process.  

“Option 1C was the most popular option, and through slightly amending the route, we have been able to lessen the impact on Strawberry Grove, Turnip Lodge Lane (a protected lane) and nearby communities, while still meeting the objectives of the scheme, which is important.”  

The planned route will leave the A133 via a roundabout east of the University of Essex, joining the A120 via a junction east of Strawberry Grove.

Funded through a £99million investment from the Government’s ‘Housing Infrastructure Fund’, the dual-carriageway will support the proposed new Garden Community on the east of Colchester. Helping reduce congestion on local roads, it will enable traffic travelling along the A133, or from the new community, to access the A120 and A12 without travelling into Colchester.  

Located on the Colchester Tendring border, the Garden Community received the backing of an independent planning inspector last week, with the Link Road a key component of ensuring any new community is both viable, and supported by the necessary infrastructure.

The funding will also provide elements of a new Rapid Transit System for the town, further helping reduce the need to access the town centre by car.

Work will now be progressed on the design of the road, with a planning application expected at the end of the year.

Cllr Finch added: “When completed, this road will be hugely beneficial to local people and those travelling west looking to access the major road network. This will help tackle congestion and through enabling traffic to keep moving,  help reduce air pollution across wider Colchester. We also want to look closely at how public transport, through the proposed rapid transit system, as well as walking and cycling can be incorporated into the plans. This supports our district and borough council partners ambition for the creation of sustainable infrastructure led development and we will continue to work closely as both the housing and road plans continue to develop.  

For more information on the scheme visit www.essex.gov.uk/link-road-and-rapid-transit.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “It is fantastic to see this long-awaited major project becoming a reality.

“The new junction is critical for Harlow and the wider area, ultimately helping to reduce congestion in the town, offering new public transport opportunities and further unlocking the economic potential of Harlow through supporting local business growth.”

One of the biggest infrastructure projects in the county, the works will see a new junction created between junction 7 and 8 of the M11 and a new link road joining the M11 with a widened B183 Gilden Way. This will ultimately see a new east-west link created through the town.

Referring to the ongoing Coronavirus situation, Cllr Bentley added: “Covid-19 has, of course, had an impact on many infrastructure projects

“Therefore, we have been working closely with the contractor GRAHAM to enable surveying and preparatory works to take place, with stringent social distancing rules in operation. This will continue as the works progress.

“We are also looking closely at other schemes that are going on, such as in Edinburgh Way, which is due to complete in the next few weeks, to ensure that the potential impact on traffic is minimised”

The new junction 7a is planned to open in 2022.

For more information and to register for construction updates on the scheme visit www.essex.gov.uk/junction7a.

The works are continuing with appropriate social distancing measures in place and have received a boost thanks to an additional £17.9m funding from Department for Transport highways for repairs and maintenance. 

Major improvements on the A133 at Ipswich Rd to Harwich Rd in Colchester have started, as has the Edinburgh Way works in Harlow, which has previously changed to daytime works. Preliminary work to build the new Junction 7A on the M11 at Harlow is also being prepped too, linked to a new east-west route across the town.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “I am happy to report that nearly all our major and smaller road improvement schemes are back up and working following full risk assessments.

“Of course, some essential work of course never stopped and I’d like to thank all the highways workers who have kept our roads safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know reliable roads are key to getting the Essex economy moving again. For public safety, we are switching some of the road surfacing schemes we had planned for residential areas this year, to main roads instead. Those local roads will still be repaired and will be included in the surfacing programme for next year.

“I must again thank the majority of drivers in Essex for staying at home during lockdown and only using the county’s road network for essential journeys.”

The impact of the pause to some highways work, combined with the need to work differently to before to protect highways crews and the public, will inevitably affect the completion dates for some schemes. However, Essex Highways remains committed to delivering as much of this year’s programme of work as planned.

As previously announced, Essex Highways is also in the process of introducing further measures to support local people to socially distance, by encouraging sustainable methods of transport, including walking and cycling, particularly in urban areas. The first developments of this work will be introduced in the coming weeks.

Road surfacing work is now also fully underway, with surface dressing and full resurfacing (night works) programmes operational. The second resurfacing team and the micro-surfacing crew started on Monday 18 May.

Please follow Essex Highways Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/essexhighways for daily updates and the programmes map at www.essex.gov.uk/surfacing for all planned work.

Please note that planned surfacing work is subject to weather, and delays may impact on subsequent schemes. Residents are encouraged to watch out for on-site sign boards alerting to work in the near future and particularly requests not to park on the road on the day.

Due to this work Ipswich Road South will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May.

A vital part of the road improvement scheme on the A133 Ipswich Road to Harwich Road is to widen the roundabout at Ipswich Road.

More road space needs to be created and this can only be done by strengthening the road next to the railway line south of the A133, using piling.

Ipswich Road south is due to be closed for up to three weeks from the evening of 25th May to 15th June with the road expected to be reopened by 16th June. The road has to be closed while piling is done on the retaining wall for workforce and public safety.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “The new layout of the roundabout requires steel and concrete piling to be inserted to support the retaining wall for the road. Space must be left between the piling operation and the public for safety, so Ipswich Road (south) will be closed during the work.

“By competing this major job while traffic volumes are lower we are minimising the impact on the network.  I am conscious that the roads are becoming busier again and we will re-open it as quickly as possible to keep inconvenience to a minimum for everyone.”

Work will be carried out between 7am and 8pm, however due to safety reasons the road closure is required at all times. Some of the works being undertaken will require the use of noisy equipment and may cause some disturbance, however we will try and complete these activities when they will cause the least inconvenience.

Full access will be maintained for local residents, pedestrians, cyclists and businesses, with signs indicating business open as usual wherever appropriate. A suitable signed diversion route will be provided.

Bus operators have been informed of the closures so that any necessary adjustments can be made to their services. Notices will be displayed on the affected bus stops and suitable temporary alternatives will be provided.
Please note that programmed dates may be subject to change, however the latest information will be displayed on advance warning signs on site.

We would encourage residents and businesses to also check the Essex Highways website for the latest updates including any changes to traffic management arrangements: www.essex.gov.uk/majorschemes (follow the link to the A133 Ipswich Road/Harwich Road improvement scheme, Colchester’).

You can also check the @Essexhighways twitter feed and one.network for information about other works in the area.

Braintree is one of the first areas where this trial will go ahead and grass verges in the central areas of the district will only be cut once a year instead of twice.

It is important that road safety is maintained and sightlines for all road users will be monitored, and if necessary limited cuts in critical safety areas would be carried out.

This is a joint initiative between Essex County Council and Braintree District Council.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure said: “I’m delighted to support this plan to add to the existing “special verges” where wildlife protection takes priority and I certainly support extending it to other areas if it is successful. This is part of many ecological initiatives being coordinated by the County Council.” 

The initiative follows the successful Braintree Bypass roadside beautification project last year and includes the central parts of Braintree District combining rural and semi-rural/urban areas.  Braintree Council and some parishes carry out the verge cutting work, funded by Essex County Council as the Highway Authority

Cllr Wendy Schmitt, Braintree District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment & Place said “I am delighted this trial is taking place I have campaigned for a number of years for better protection of rural verges, supported by Braintree District Council, as these are important havens for wildlife with many common and rare species of wildflowers, insects and animals. 

"Reducing grass verge cutting from twice yearly to a single cut in the Autumn will allow flowers to grow, and seed before grass cutting takes place. It is more important than ever to consider how we can give nature a ‘helping hand’ by protecting and preserving our natural environment for this and future generations”. 

As people return to work and start to visit shopping and retail centres again, social distancing protocols to stay two metres away from anyone who is not a member of your household will remain in place.

At present, many town and city centre roads in Essex are empty or have dramatically less traffic, although as lockdown restrictions get gradually lifted it is anticipated that traffic levels will increase, but perhaps not back to pre-coronavirus levels. However many pavements and cycleways in Essex are too narrow to allow social distancing, so change is necessary to encourage new, healthier ways of travelling locally.

In order to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists more, Essex Highways is planning to utilise empty road space by making temporary changes to the road network in Essex town and city centres. Essex County Council will be one of the first authorities to take these steps.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “We have a responsibility to provide adequate physical distance in town and city centres to maintain social distancing and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. 

“The Government’s advice is that people who can work from home should continue to do so and we will continue to remind employers of this. 

“At the same time, for people who have no choice but to travel to work, journeys both on public transport and by car need to be managed and footways and cycle ways need to be safe and accommodate social distancing. 

“We want to help people get back to work and we want to help the economy get back up and running – we can do that by making it safer for people to get to retail and industrial areas. 

“Our longer-term ambition is to maintain lower levels of private car use in urban areas, so that walking and cycling becomes the preferred choice for shorter journeys. We’ll be talking to cycling groups in Essex to garner their input and this approach will also lead to an improvement in city and town centre air quality. 

“We can’t embark on a complete overhaul of the road network into Essex’s urban areas, but there are temporary cost-effective tweaks we can make to the road layout which will improve access to our town and city centres for people who are walking, cycling or using public transport.” 

Among the changes being considered for many town centres are:

• Using barriers to create temporary space to allow physical distancing of 2m on footways and public spaces.
• Creating temporary walking and cycling lanes to enable access to central areas on foot or by bike using cones and barriers.
• Ensuring signalised crossing sequences are set to help physical distancing whilst people are waiting to cross on the footway.
• Introducing “Thrifty Innovations” - temporary infrastructure that can expand the public space on a trial basis as part of an ‘innovate, test and learn’ approach.
• Removing some lanes for motor traffic
• Creating waiting areas on shopping streets
• Removing through motor traffic from residential streets (and other roads where possible) allowing people to walk in the street with greater safety.
• Amending push-buttons at signal crossings to allow more time for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Work with Essex Police and other partners to encourage safer use of our highways network generally. For example, there has been a noticeable increase in vehicle speeds making pedestrian and cycle use less safe.
• Assist as much as possible with the reintroduction of bus and rail services in a way which promotes their safe usage.
• Ensure that traffic levels do not increase to the extent they inhibit the movement of people, goods and services through increased congestion, pollution and carbon emissions.

Plans to promote this approach are being drawn up for a range of areas in Essex, and more detail will emerge on specific proposals in the coming days and weeks.

Public messages will be published on-line as plans are confirmed and measures agreed.

Jackson Civil Engineering have removed road works at Sheepcotes Roundabout this week. The improved road scheme provides a new dedicated left turn slip from Braintree Road to the A130, an increase in the roundabout’s capacity and has widened the roundabout approach on Essex Regiment Way to two lanes.

These improvements were part of the Chelmsford to Braintree Route-based Strategy, which benefited from an investment of £7.3 million by Essex County Council and the Government’s Local Growth fund via the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

Highway improvement works along this route have been phased over a period of three years and included works to Essex Regiment Way, Deres Bridge, Nabbotts Roundabout and finally Sheepcotes Roundabouts, to implement capacity and safety improvements as well as the improvements made to bus lanes.

Cllr Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “It is pleasing to see the final phase in the series of improvements completed on this important corridor between Braintree and Chelmsford.

“The improvements will not only support future economic growth in the area, but will also ease the burden on those who already commute through the area and use public transport on a regular basis.”

The main contractor for the scheme, Eurovia, has reviewed the situation and is preparing for a phased return to work.

New ways of working and checks that supplier companies can provide materials, equipment and staff, offer the chance to resume some of the work. The phased return will initially focus on work activities which can be done safely while observing social distancing.

This pause in work has allowed Eurovia to fully review each of its method statements and risk assessments to ensure that they reflect the new ways of working which comply with current industry guidance. Additional equipment will be installed including extra welfare facilities, but also more mechanised equipment to support isolated working before the site workforce returns.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Contractors have absolute responsibility for their staff and the public’s safety and welfare in this current extreme situation, that’s why I supported their decision to suspend work until they could be certain it is safe to resume. 

“I’m pleased on behalf of Colchester residents that work will now continue on this major infrastructure project."

Further updates will be provided once available. Information about the Ipswich to Harwich Rd scheme in Colchester is available at www.essex.gov.uk/highwayschemes 

The strong plea from Essex Highways is to ‘Please keep it up.’

With strict social distancing rules in place, highways teams are still out on the county’s roads making repairs and improvements to keep main routes safe for emergency services, for supplies to move and to enable key workers to carry out their critical roles.

It is important to reassure the public that Essex Highways is very strictly following Government restrictions on social distancing when working on site. Road maintenance has been classified as an essential service. Therefore, temporary new road signs have been issued which explain that staff are delivering critical works and calling on local residents to please respect the teams while they are on-site.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure comments “I remain very grateful to everyone in Essex for staying at home and not using our network except when essential.

“I also remain very proud of the duty our highways teams continue to demonstrate, keeping the roads and pavements in safe working order wherever possible for all of us at this difficult time. Please do give our workers space, for their safety as well as yours – however a friendly wave is always welcome!

“Our work programme is constantly under review as the effects of the lockdown continues. With better weather we would normally be gearing up to carry out many repairs and improvements across the county. We are now carefully looking at our plans and taking into consideration the availability of specialist contractors, staff and materials.” 
Members of the public are encouraged to continue reporting defects online at www.essex.gov.uk/highways

The Essex Highways team is currently experiencing a high volume of calls and so residents are asked not to call unless they spot an urgent road safety issue.

For updates relating to roads and travel, please visit www.essex.gov.uk/highways or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/essexhighways and www.twitter.com/Essex_Travel

Visit www.essex.gov.uk for updates on other Essex County Council services.

Traffic data shows that on Tuesday 25 March, the day after the Prime Minister’s announcement of more extreme measures, traffic was a down 53% compared to the same time last year. This continued to increase throughout the week, reaching a 60% reduction compared to last year by Thursday, the last day for which current data is available. 

With initial reports from Italy and Spain starting to show that, if adhered to rigorously, current measures can have an impact it’s more important than ever than we continue to observe government guidance so that our Country can see improvement in the coming weeks and months. 

However, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Cllr Kevin Bentley had a clear message for the County: “While it’s great to see such a reduction in travel, it’s critical that this continues to decrease, and that residents stay at home. Let’s ‘not forget that in Italy and Spain the restrictions were much more stringent, with permits required to leave home and a ban on exercise outside the home.”

An important reminder to Essex residents of just how critically important it is that we follow Government guidance and only leave home for one of four reasons:

• Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
• One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
• Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
• Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

Stay safe Essex. Stay home. Save lives.

The latest advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the Public Health England (PHE) and NHS websites or via www.essex.gov.uk/coronavirus

You can find out about impacts on our services on the Essex County Council website.

The suspension of these services is in response to strict government guidance urging people to stay in their homes and only travel when absolutely necessary, to prevent the spread of the virus.

The service, and sites at both Chelmsford and Colchester, will remain closed until further notice.

Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Cllr Kevin Bentley said: “While we seek to retain public transport services for individuals who are making essential journeys, those using the Park and Ride have access to a car, so will have an alternative mode of transport available should they need it.

“Our Park and Ride services are valued, high quality and sustainable services, however during this crisis we need to use our resources wisely which means deploying resources to support commercial bus services where passengers on these services may have no other options available."

“The closures will be for as short a time as possible as we know how valued the service is. We look forward to welcoming back our regular travellers and hopefully new ones when it re-opens”

Essex County Council has been working closely with both Broomfield and Colchester Hospitals to ensure key workers who use the Park and Ride services have suitable alternatives available to them.

The latest advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the Public Health England (PHE) and NHS websites or via www.essex.gov.uk/coronavirus

You can find out about impacts on our services on the Essex County Council website.

While most repair work will continue for as long as it is possible, Essex Highways’ planned programme of more extensive improvements is being reviewed in light of the unprecedented situation the country is in.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “It is vital that, during these extraordinary times we do everything we can to continue supporting our emergency services colleagues and critical key workers who need to use our county ’s roads in order to carry out their important work.

“However, we must ensure we are doing so in ways that are safe for our employees and members of the public, and that also consider the likely impact of the current situation on availability of workers, materials and equipment going forward.

“This is an extremely fast-moving situation which we are constantly reviewing. We continue to adhere to advice from the government and adjust our work accordingly. This includes the need to maintain appropriate social distancing within our workforce.

“I am so proud of all of our Essex Highways employees and the dedication they have and continue to show at such an uncertain time.”

Essex Highways is also working with utility companies and developers to see if any changes need to be made to planned work. As of today (25 March 2020), existing roadworks will generally remain in place.

If advice from the Government changes, Essex Highways will reconsider its current approach.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue reporting defects online at www.essexhighways.org/transport-and-roads/tell-us/problem-check.aspx.

The Essex Highways team is currently experiencing a high volume of calls and so residents are asked not to call unless they spot an urgent road safety issue.

For updates relating to roads and travel, as well as other Essex County Council services, please visit www.essex.gov.uk or follow us on social media.

The funding will be used to realign the eastern section of the A12 between Junctions 24 and 25, provide a new junction for the Garden Community and add capacity for a fourth lane between junctions 23 and 24. This commitment to infrastructure could help unlock up to 20,931 homes as part of the North Essex Garden Community project.

The project is in addition to the widening, junction and alignment works which have already been committed by Highways England for the A12.

The news has been welcomed by the four councils behind the North Essex Garden Communities Project; Essex County, Colchester Borough, Braintree District, and Tendring District Councils.

Providing vital infrastructure is integral to the plans of the three proposed Garden Communities across North Essex.

Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “This is welcome news. The A12 realignment is a key element in the unlocking of homes within the Colchester/Braintree Garden Community and I am pleased the Government has recognised its significance.”

Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “I am delighted with this huge investment in Essex which affects the district so directly.  As a Council we have consistently said that growth in the District and across North Essex must be accompanied by significant infrastructure improvements. This announcement from Government shows that our representations have been heard and acted upon. The challenge for us is to ensure that we repay the Government’s faith in the area by moving forward with our plans.”

Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “We have always stated that these communities must be infrastructure first. This announcement is a major step towards this.”

Cllr Neil Stock, Leader of Tendring District Council, said: “This announcement shows the Government is just as determined as we are to deliver greater economic prosperity for North Essex, with the Garden Communities programme at the heart of our ambition. We have always stated that ‘infrastructure first’ is a key principle of our approach and this commitment to funding major transport infrastructure is a tremendous step forward.”

The steel and concrete flyover is being taken down section by section and transported away for dismantling and recycling.

Most of the works are being carried out overnight between the hours of 9.30pm and 5.30am, Monday to Friday, to minimise disruption.

However, daytime works were required on Sunday (8 March) to break out the large concrete ramp in Essex Yeomanry Way due to anticipated loud noise. Further daytime works will be required this Sunday (15 March) to break out the remaining ramp in Parkway and lane restrictions will be in place.

The planned road restrictions are as follows:

• Night of and Wednesday 11 March - Full closure of A1060 Parkway in both directions (Parkway exit slip lane to A138 Chelmer Road will remain open)
• Sunday 15 March - Daytime lane restrictions with carriageway reduced to one lane on roundabout and approaches/exits

Appropriate diversions will be in place. The closure of several bus stops in the area will be required during the overnight road closure. Public notices are in place at the affected bus stops and bus diversions will be in place.
Dismantling activities are currently scheduled to be completed by Friday, 20 March and will be followed by works to close the cross over areas at either end of the flyover. It is anticipated these works will start on Monday 30 March and require temporary overnight lane restrictions, however details are still being finalised and will be confirmed soon.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “We have already seen a significant change to the city’s skyline and I am very pleased the works are progressing so well.

“The Army and Navy is a crucial gateway to Chelmsford, and we are also continuing to work as quickly as we can to develop a long-term solution at the junction.

“It is vital that we achieve the right scheme for the city, its residents and businesses, and we will be updating partners on our progress in the coming weeks.”

For the latest information about the flyover removal works, including latest details about proposed traffic restrictions, visit www.essex.gov.uk/highwayschemes

For further information about the long-term solution for the Army and Navy junction and to sign up for the project email newsletter, visit www.essex.gov.uk/armyandnavy

The only authority in the country to have two successful bids, ECC will receive £380,000 to support with costs associated with the removal of the Army and Navy flyover in Chelmsford and £1million to invest in maintenance of Braintree town centre.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, ECC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “I am thrilled by today’s announcement from the Department of Transport and pleased the Government has recognised the importance of investing in Essex by funding two significant projects across the county. We are the only Local Authority in the country to be successful with two separate bids.

“The additional funding to cover the cost of current Army and Navy removal works will free up much needed funds which we can invest in establishing a long-term solution for this busy junction which sits at the heart of our county.

“Investment in Braintree town centre is also testament to the role of local high streets – the life blood of our communities - and how important it is that we continue to maintain them now and in the future so that they can thrive.”

Read more about the announcement at gov.uk.

The steel and concrete structure is being removed section by section and transported away for dismantling and recycling, with five of the 15 spans now successfully removed.

The majority of the works are being carried out overnight between the hours of 9.30pm and 5.30am, Monday to Friday, to minimise disruption. Due to the crane and other heavy equipment needed to carry out the works, temporary lane restrictions and road closures are needed at various stages.

The proposed road restrictions for the next phase of works are as follows:

Nights of Wednesday 26, Thursday 27, Friday 28 February and Monday 2, Tuesday 3 March - Full closure of A1114 Essex Yeomanry Way in both directions

Nights of Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March - Closures on Van Diemans Road inbound (towards roundabout) and A1060 Parkway in both directions (Parkway exit slip lane to A138 Chelmer Road will remain open)

Nights of Friday 6, Monday 9, Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 March - Full closure of A1060 Parkway in both directions (Parkway exit slip lane to A138 Chelmer Road will remain open)

Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 March - Daytime lane restrictions with carriageway reduced to one lane on roundabout and approaches/exits

Road users are encouraged to check signage and the Essex Highways website as these arrangements may change at short notice.

Appropriate diversions will be in place during any road closures. Some bus services will be impacted during the works. Please contact the bus operators for more information.

Pedestrian access will be maintained in the area throughout the works, which are on track to be completed in April 2020.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “The flyover has been a well-known feature of Chelmsford for more than 40 years and we have already seen a big change to the city’s skyline following the works that have taken place so far.

“The project is progressing very well and I would like to thank people for their continued patience and understanding while these crucial works are completed.

“The Army and Navy is a vital gateway to Chelmsford and removing the flyover is an important step as we seek to make long-term improvements to the junction and create a lasting and sustainable legacy.

“With Chelmsford continuing to grow, other roads in the city centre already near capacity and a lack of space, we must encourage more people to think differently about how they travel, particularly for shorter journeys which are currently made by car.

“We understand people want a solution as quickly as possible and steps are being taken to speed things up wherever we can, however we must also follow Government processes and ensure we achieve the right scheme for Chelmsford.”

For the latest information about the flyover removal works, including latest details about proposed traffic restrictions, visit www.essex.gov.uk/highwayschemes and search: ‘A1060/A1114 Army and Navy Flyover’.

For further information about the long-term solution for the Army and Navy junction and to sign up for the project email newsletter, visit www.essex.gov.uk/armyandnavy.

The approval decision is now in a three-day call-in period.

In 2012, Essex County Council entered into partnership with Ringway Jacobs to upkeep and maintain its Highways division, looking after the 5,000 miles of roads, 4,000 miles of pavements, 4,000 miles of public rights of way, 127,000 streetlights and 1,500 highways structures such as bridges.

The contract was initially signed for 10 years to 2022 and contained an option for Councillors to extend the contract for a further five years if desired.

Today, a meeting of Essex County Council’s Cabinet approved the take up of an option to extend the contract for another five years, allowing investment in the network of approximately £700m over that time period.

All ECC Cabinet decisions are subject to a three-day call-in period. This means that if a councillor who sits on a scrutiny committee asks for the decision to be reversed or reviewed it must be looked at by a Committee.

The scheme, which is set to deliver a major economic boost to the city and Essex as a whole, will go on show ahead of the bypass planning application early next year.

With a 2024 opening date target, engineers are progressing designs for the Chelmsford North East Bypass, between the A12 and A131, as well as the new Beaulieu Railway station, which is scheduled for 2025/26.

Together the projects support the creation of over 14,000 new homes in the Chelmsford to Braintree corridor, including a proposed new garden village, with sustainable developments in North East Chelmsford, Broomfield, Great Leighs and Great Notley.

Speaking after councillors and local officials were briefed about progress with the scheme, Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Make no mistake we are fully committed to delivering the bypass and railway station.

“Chelmsford is part of a growing county and, as a driver of the regional economy, needs a transport network to match if it is to properly facilitate development and economic growth.

“That’s why at Essex County Council, in partnership with the city council, and in collaboration with Network Rail, we are delivering this scheme.”

The road and rail upgrade has been made possible following the award of nearly £218m in funding from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, plus £34m of other funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and developer Countryside Zest.

Now the project is coming to reality Cllr Bentley said everyone would be given an opportunity to provide feedback on the final scheme.

He said: “We have held previous public consultations and it is our clear intention to present final plans to local representatives and the public ahead of the planning application.

“This is essential to a scheme that will ease congestion and improve traffic flow, provide a better rail service, support housing and jobs growth, and encourage sustainable travel.

“It will also provide a strategic link between Chelmsford, Braintree, Stansted and the wider area, creating a location that is well connected to Essex and London as well as the East and South East of England.”

Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, said: "Chelmsford has been expecting a new station for very many years and delivering that is vital to improving sustainable transport options. We hope it will be delivered as soon as possible."

For more information about the scheme visit www.essex.gov.uk/cnebypass

Ipswich Road South to reopen later this week

Ipswich Road (south) in Colchester will be reopened this week ahead of schedule.

Essex Highways are now preparing to get the road reinstated and reopened to traffic.

Workers will have to return in the future to complete the wall strengthening and planners are looking at how to minimise any future impact.

Essex Highways are proactively opening the road this week, planned for Thursday morning, and further updates will be provided in due course as we know more.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “By opening Ipswich Road (south) this week it will benefit local residents and businesses. Please continue to support our brilliant local businesses who are open as usual.”

"We will continue to explore every possible way to minimise the impact of the works and reduce the traffic management cones and barriers."

In 2012, Essex County Council entered into partnership with Ringway Jacobs to upkeep and maintain its Highways division, looking after the 5,000 miles of roads, 4,000 miles of pavements, 4,000 miles of public rights of way, 127,000 streetlights and 1,500 highways structures such as bridges.

The recommendation points to the unrivalled industry expertise, internal buying power and technical excellence of parent companies Eurovia UK and Jacobs in improving roads, footways and highways infrastructure, as well as providing value for money.

The contract was initially signed for 10 years to 2022 and contained an option for Councillors to extend the contract for a further five years if desired.

Since 2012, the Essex Highways partnership between the County Council and Ringway Jacobs has delivered;

• 2,002 miles of road re-surfacing,
• 15,000 miles of roads inspected each year,
• an average of 37,000 street lighting defects dealt with each year,
• an average of 70 miles of pavements surfaced each year,
• an average of 100,000 drains, keeping roads free from excess rainwater, cleaned each year,
• an ongoing LED streetlight and illuminated signs conversion programme, and:
• over 51,000 people following updates from the Essex traffic control centre.

Papers also highlight recent benchmarking against the wider market, which revealed work including road surfacing, pavement repair and maintenance and drain clearing work delivered by Ringway Jacobs for Essex Highways was significantly cheaper than alternatives across a range of activity.

Having continuously met performance and efficiency targets, the partnership has also been recognised by the British Standards Institute, achieving BS11000 collaborative business relationship accreditation in 2014.

The Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve the take up of an option to extend the contract for another five years, allowing investment in the network of approximately £700m over that time period.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “This is a healthy, robust working partnership, which is rigorously monitored.

“It is delivering improvement to the roads, pavements and cycleways of Essex and it is delivering savings to the taxpayers of Essex.

“I look forward to discussing the extension of the contract with my cabinet colleagues.”

Site set-up and preparation works have already been taking place throughout this week in readiness for the arrival of a 100-tonne crane on Monday night, ahead of the first lift of one of the structure’s spans the following evening.

The steel and concrete structure will be removed section by section and transported away for dismantling and recycling. Due to the heavy equipment needed to carry out the works, temporary lane restrictions and road closures will be in place at various stages.

The majority of the works will be carried out overnight between the hours of 9.30pm and 5.30am, Monday to Friday, to minimise disruption. However, some Sunday daytime working will be required later in the programme, with works expected to be completed in April.

In the meantime, Essex County Council is continuing to develop a long-term solution for the junction and the removal of the flyover is an important step.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, was joined by members of the Army and Navy Task Force and dignitaries today to mark the start of the milestone project.
He said: “The flyover has been a well-known feature of the Chelmsford skyline for more than 40 years and its removal is a historic milestone for the city.

“The Army and Navy is a crucial gateway to Chelmsford and removing the flyover is an important step as we seek to make long-term improvements to the junction and create a lasting and sustainable legacy.

“With Chelmsford continuing to grow, other roads in the city centre already near capacity and a lack of space, we must encourage more people to think differently about how they travel, particularly for shorter journeys which are currently made by car.

“The Department for Transport has already emphasised the importance of sustainable transport in any final scheme and this will be critical, alongside any junction improvements.

“We understand people want a solution as quickly as possible and steps are being taken to speed things up wherever we can, however we must also follow Government processes and ensure we achieve the right scheme for Chelmsford.”

The council is carefully monitoring the weather forecast and the potential impact of Storm Dennis as windy conditions could impact the use of the crane and the wider works programme.

For the latest information about the works, including details about proposed traffic restrictions, visit the ‘A1060/A1114 Army and Navy Flyover’ page.

For further information about the long term solution for the Army and Navy junction and to sign up for the project email newsletter, visit: www.essex.gov.uk/armyandnavy.

Delivering the strategically important new access from the M11, the works will see a new junction and link road created, connecting the motorway with Gilden Way, east of Harlow, and creating a new east-west link through the town, helping boost the local economy.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “This is a critically important piece of new infrastructure which we have been working with partners for a number of years to help make a reality.

“This new junction will not only be a boost to the thousands of people who are travelling into and out of Harlow on a daily basis through alleviating some of the congestion issues in the town, but offers new public transport opportunities and will help further unlock the economic potential of Harlow through supporting business growth in the area.”

Harlow MP Robert Halfon added: "I would like to thank Essex County Council and Cllr Bentley for all the hard work they have put in to deliver Junction 7A. This is a major project that will greatly reduce the traffic burden on Harlow residents.

"I worked hard for many years in Parliament in order to persuade the Government to invest in the junction and I am extremely grateful to the former Transport Secretary for authorising it.

"This is yet more proof that the Government are investing in Harlow. With our new hospital, new road junction, the £600m move of Public Health England to Harlow, our Enterprise zone and the up to £25m to regenerate our town - we are building an even better Harlow."

Funded through Highways England, the Department for Transport, Essex County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, the scheme is located between Junctions 7 and 8 of the M11. It will see the existing B183 widened, creating an additional lane heading westbound and providing two lanes to the existing London Road Roundabout which links to the A414. This will be supported by the conversion of the existing Churchgate Roundabout on the B183 into a ‘hamburger’ style arrangement with traffic lights installed and the existing local road network connected via the creation of a new Campions Roundabout.

The project follows last year’s works in Gilden Way which saw existing utilities diverted, enabling the main works to be undertaken.

Newly appointed contractor GRAHAM will now begin the detailed design work with its design partner AECOM, ahead of beginning full construction.

On the award of the contract, Stephen Hand, Pre-Construction Director of the GRAHAM Civil Engineering division, said: “We’re pleased to have been awarded this hugely beneficial highways scheme by Essex County Council which is the latest in our growing portfolio of highway improvement schemes.

“The project will reduce congestion and improve access to Harlow’s road network, creating economic growth and improving connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors to Harlow.”

Julie Crawford, Regional Delivery Director (East) for Highways England, added: “Highways England is pleased to be supporting these plans to build an additional junction on the M11 at Harlow. We are confident that, once delivered, this new junction will contribute towards improving safety and reducing congestion, two of Highways England’s top priorities.”

Construction is expected to commence on Gilden Way/Sheering Road in late spring 2020, with works on the motorway junction and link road likely to start in summer/autumn 2020.

The new junction is planned to open in 2022.

For more information, visit www.essex.gov.uk/junction7a

The project will begin on Monday 10 February, with the majority of the works being carried out overnight between the hours of 9.30pm and 5.30am, Monday to Friday, to minimise disruption. However, some Sunday daytime working will be required later in the programme.

The steel structure will be removed section by section and transported away for dismantling and recycling.  Due to the heavy equipment needed to carry out the works, temporary lane restrictions and road closures will be in place at various stages.

During February the following carriageway restrictions are expected to apply between 9.30pm and 5.30am, however road users are encouraged to check signage as arrangements may change at short notice:

• Week commencing Monday 10 February:
• Daytime working with no carriageway restrictions

• From Tuesday 18 February onwards as required (Monday to Friday):
• Overnight lane restrictions reducing the carriageway to one lane on the roundabout and approaches/exits.

• Nights of Monday 24 February and Tuesday 25 February:
• Full closure of A1114 Essex Yeomanry Way in both directions
• Baddow Road closed outbound (travelling away from roundabout)
• A138 Chelmer Road closed inbound (travelling towards roundabout/city)

• Nights of Wednesday 26, Thursday 27, Friday 28 February and Monday 2, Tuesday 3 March:
• Full closure of A1114 Essex Yeomanry Way in both directions

During any planned road closures, appropriate diversions will be in place suited to all vehicles. Pedestrian access will be maintained in the area throughout the works, which are expected to be completed in April 2020.

Essex County Council is continuing to develop a long-term solution for the junction and is now close to completing a Strategic Outline Business Case – an important milestone in accessing Department for Transport (DfT) funding for the scheme.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “The Army and Navy flyover has been a well-known feature of the Chelmsford skyline for 40 years and its removal will be a historic milestone for the city.

“Of course, we recognise that the works will cause some disruption and, together with the contractor, Clarke Demolition Company Limited, we will be doing everything possible to minimise any inconvenience caused.

“The Army and Navy is a crucial gateway to Chelmsford and we are also continuing to assess potential options for a long-term solution at the junction.

“We understand people want a solution as quickly as possible and steps are being taken to speed things up wherever we can, however we must also follow Government processes and ensure we achieve the best scheme for Chelmsford.”

For more information about the arrangements in place to dismantle the Army and Navy flyover, including latest details on proposed traffic restrictions, visit: www.essex.gov.uk/highwayschemes and search: ‘A1060/A1114 Army and Navy Flyover’.

For further details about the long term solution for the Army and Navy junction and to sign up for the project email newsletter, visit: www.essex.gov.uk/armyandnavy

Roadside tests have shown that a section of the A127 between east and west Basildon exceeds national air quality safe limits for nitrogen dioxide.

To reduce exhaust emissions and improve air quality, Essex County Council is reducing the speed limit from national speed limit to 50mph on the A127.

The new limit will be in place on both carriageways between the existing 40mph speed limit near the Fortune of War roundabout and approximately 470m east of the Pound Lane (westbound) and Cranfield Park Road (eastbound) junctions.

Vehicles’ engines work more efficiently at about 50mph and lowering speeds from 70mph to 50mph can reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from car exhausts by up to 20 per cent.

Overnight works to introduce the new limit, which include replacing road signs and installing average speed cameras, are scheduled to start on Monday 27 January and planned to take approximately six weeks.

Temporary lane restrictions will be in place between 9pm and 5am to enable crews to work safely at the roadside, with traffic reduced to one lane overnight.

Some individual road closures will also be required in order to calibrate average speed cameras, and signed diversion routes will be provided.

Details of the road closures are still being finalised and information will be available online shortly at: www.essexhighways.org/highway-schemes-and-developments/highway-schemes/a127-basildon-air-quality.aspx.

The new 50mph speed limit will come into force as soon as the works commence on Monday 27 January.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “Reducing potentially harmful vehicle emissions is vitally important, not only in protecting the environment, but also for the health of our residents.

“Air quality is linked to a number of health problems and is estimated to cost the UK about than £20billion every year.

“By lowering the speed limit, we can reduce vehicle emissions on this stretch of the A127 and bring air quality to safe levels by 2021, as well as improving road safety and journey time reliability.

“We all have a part to play in protecting the planet and, where possible, I would also encourage people to consider swapping some car journeys for more sustainable travel such as walking, cycling or using public transport.”

Leader of Basildon Council, Councillor Gavin Callaghan said: “The quality of air in our borough is of great concern to all of us. A reduction of the speed limit to 50mph is a key step in bringing a substantial improvement to the air quality in this area. However, if a charging clean air zone was imposed in Basildon it would serve only to damage our businesses and livelihoods and push the problem to other areas like the Basildon stretch of the A13.

“Many of our local businesses are already demonstrating their commitment to improving air quality by altering deliveries to times outside of rush hour and replacing their fleets with hybrid and Euro 6 compliant vehicles.”

For more information about the project, please visit www.essex.gov.uk/airquality.

Essex County Council announced in September that the flyover in Chelmsford would be permanently closed on safety grounds after a detailed engineering report revealed new defects within its concrete foundations.

The council has since been pressing ahead with plans to have the structure removed as soon as possible while work is also continuing to develop a long-term solution for the junction.

Clarke Demolition Company Limited has now been appointed to carry out the flyover removal, with the works expected to begin in early February.

The steel structure will be safely dismantled section by section, removed from the site and, where possible, recycled. It is anticipated that the majority of the works will take place at night to minimise disruption, although some Sunday closures will be required.

The project is expected to be completed in April 2020, with further details about the works schedule to be confirmed shortly.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “I am delighted to be working with Clarke Demolition on this important project and look forward to works starting in February.

“The Army and Navy flyover has been a well-known feature of the Chelmsford skyline for 40 years and its removal will be a historic milestone for the city. Of course, we recognise that the works will cause some disruption and, together with the contractor, we will be doing everything possible to minimise any inconvenience caused.

“The Army and Navy is a crucial gateway to Chelmsford and we are also continuing to assess potential options for a long-term solution at the junction.

“Steps are already being taken to reduce the programme, however we must also ensure we get it right so that any improvements encourage more sustainable travel and avoid putting additional pressure on other roads in the city centre.”

David Clarke, Managing Director of Clarke Demolition Company Limited, added: “We are delighted to be involved with the removal of this local landmark.

“Having also removed the old viaduct over the River Chelmer in 2016, it is a matter of great pride to have the opportunity once again to continue helping with the improvements being made in the region.“We will work as safely and quickly as possible, out of normal working hours to minimise any disruption to the public.”

For more information about the project and to subscribe to the Army and Navy e-newsletter, please visit: www.essex.gov.uk/armyandnavy.

To help support the city’s residents and businesses, a special £5 group offer remains available throughout the winter at both the Sandon and Chelmer Valley Park and Rides. For more information, visit www.essex.gov.uk/parkandride.