Residents urged to influence traffic changes in Essex communities

Residents in three Essex communities are being urged to play their part in deciding what improvements are needed to reduce traffic bottlenecks in their areas.

42,000 pamphlets are being distributed to local householders and businesses in Castle Point, Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet inviting residents to a series of exhibitions over a fortnight from Tuesday 19 November.

This follows a newsletter sent out to the public in May, which introduced the aims of the South Essex Multi-Modal Study (SEMMS) and asked for opinions and comments. SEMMS is jointly organised by Essex County Council, Castle Point Borough Council, Basildon District Council and Mouchel Consulting.

Over 3,500 people responded to the newsletter and some of the key findings were:-

• The car is the dominant mode of transport in the area - however bus patronage is double that in Essex as a whole

• The preferred solutions were to improve bus services, build more roads for longer distance traffic and encourage less car use.

• Respondents saw peak hour congestion as the main problem, followed by turning into main roads and driver behaviour.

• A large majority (83 per cent) would prefer to drive further in the same time to avoid congestion.

• Although there was support for alternative modes of travel, most people who use a car said ‘nothing’ would persuade them to use public transport, especially for the journey to work.

"Congestion can be severe in parts of the area so it is absolutely vital that we bring about significant improvements which will get traffic moving," said Ron Williams, cabinet member for highways and transportation.

The county and borough councils will consider responses during the winter and spring and it is hoped that bids can be made to Government for money to cover specific improvements in summer 2003.

Further information about this story can be obtained from Amanda Bentley, tel 01245 436293, email Amanda.Bentley@essexcc.gov.uk