Area Transport Delivery Strategies Delivery Transport Area O Our Transport Strategy

Accessibility 6

Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Plan Transport Essex Local ur Transport Strategy Transport ur

Chapter 185

Area Transport Delivery Strategies Delivery Transport Area O Our Transport Strategy

Chapter 6 Area Transport Delivery Strategies

The Approach

6.1 The County has a transport network that has been established over a long period of time and is dominated by three radial road and rail corridors into London: the M11, the A12 and the A13/A127 corridors. Essex is a gateway to and from Europe and the world for the East of England and the country as a whole, with an international airport and major sea ports providing access to mainland Europe and other important world trade regions. 6.2 London has always been a major attraction for Essex residents for both business and leisure purposes, creating a pattern of travel that has resulted in today’s key transport corridors. London needs to be serviced and supplied with goods, many of which pass through the ports and airports in and around Essex with 53% of domestic goods from the East of England destined for Greater London originating in Essex, whilst 73% of imports arriving in the East of England destined for Greater London arrive in Essex ports. (Data from East of England Development Agency (EEDA), England Freight Scoping Study 2005). The radial network forms the key, arterial routes, connecting people with places, goods and services. The M25 links these corridors around London, reinforcing the position of Essex as a gateway to Europe and the world through the ports and airport and, via Kent, to the channel ports and Channel Tunnel. 6.3 Several major urban areas have been established along these corridors, specifically the large urban areas of Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester and Harlow. These provide a focus for business, education, health, shopping and leisure activities. 6.4 East-west movement is becoming increasingly important, especially to serve Stansted Airport and the new development that is occurring at the Bathside Bay freight terminal in Harwich. The improvement of the A120 corridor will provide a key link and an alternative route to the established radial routes that are currently running at or near capacity. 6.5 The Draft East of England Plan (DEEP) has a number of sub-regional areas that are fundamental to deliver the national growth agenda; three of which directly overlap with the Area Transport and Delivery strategy areas. To maximise local delivery a further two transport strategy areas have been developed to cover the rest of the County. These five strategy areas recognise and reflect the established transport corridors, growth scenarios, economic characteristics, land-use sub regions, and individual characteristics of the areas they cover. The area strategies and their associated programmes of work will be used to direct funding that will include

186 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 developer contributions and other public sector, and Government funding initiatives towards the appropriate identified schemes. In addition, the area strategies will be used to assist in the development and production of District and Borough Council’s Local Development Documents (LDDs).

Area Strategy Key road and Distinctive Area Supporting Evidence Served rail network Features (Districts) settlements in area and key

Basildon and • A13 and A127 dual • A nationally recognised • The County Council will need to Thames carriageways priority growth area provide integrated transport Gateway • C2C railway – • 635,000 people living in solutions to manage the likely (Basildon, London to the main three major demand from the additional Castle Point and Southend-on-Sea separate conurbations of pressure imposed by the Draft Rochford) • Great Eastern Thurrock, Basildon and East of England Plan railway branch line Southend-on-Sea spread • A large proportion of the – Shenfield to along a narrow strip population live within the Thames Southend-on-Sea beside the Thames within Gateway regeneration area, as a • Basildon the Thames Gateway result the County Council must • Wickford South East area consider sustainable measures to • Billericay • Many brownfield help residents travel efficiently. In • Castle Point regeneration and addition the County Council has • And the development the opportunity to seek neighbouring opportunities. alternative funding sources to unitary authorities • An “extremely busy assist in the regeneration process of Thurrock and transport” area with high • Essex has some of the busiest Southend-on-Sea levels of transport rail networks in the country and movement within and as a result the County Council through the area must take every opportunity to • High levels of commuting increase the capacity of these movement westward modes or look towards managing towards London the level of demand • Strong but over utilised • The County Council must also radial links to London address the key radial routes into the urban areas to ensure that the best possible use is being employed

187 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Area Strategy Key road and Distinctive Area Supporting Evidence Served rail network Features (Districts) settlements in area and key

Chelmsford and • A12 dual • Strong employment area, • The Heart of Essex represents a the Heart of carriageway especially for strong employment area and acts Essex • A130/A131 dual and administration and as a key locale for commuting (Chelmsford, single carriageway financial services into London which has created Maldon, • A414 single • Connects UK to the huge pressures on the inter-urban Brentwood and carriageway leading port complex in road and rail corridors parts of • Great Eastern Haven Gateway and onto • In addition to commuting, Braintree) railway – London Europe and the world tourism represents a major travel to East Anglia and • A heavily used narrow influence, the transportation branches to road and rail corridor network will need to cater for Southend-on-Sea running across the heart seasonal traffic and Braintree of Essex accessed by a • Brentwood wide area • Chelmsford • A130/A131 emerging as a • Witham north-south route • Maldon connecting Thames Gateway with Heart of Essex and Stansted • Major commuting to London – Chelmsford rail station is the busiest in the region • Major employment attractor for Braintree and North Essex • Coastal tourism and leisure opportunities

Colchester and • A12 dual • Strong employment area, • The Haven Gateway area the Haven carriageway especially for represents strong employment Gateway • A120 dual and administration and area and acts as a locale for (Colchester and single carriageway financial services commuting into London. There Tendring) • Great Eastern • Connects UK to Europe are also transportation links with railway – London and the rest of the world Europe via the international ports to East Anglia and via a leading port within the area branches to complex in Haven • Tourism plays an important role Sudbury, Clacton- Gateway in this area with coastal resorts on-Sea and • Knowledge based and such as Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton- Harwich tourism activities on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze • Colchester • Positive economic growth • “Growth point” status is presently • Clacton-on-Sea • High levels of being sought for the Haven • Harwich employment containment Gateway area, which would • Coastal towns in need of enable funding to be directed revitalisation towards this area as a matter of • Area of Outstanding priority Natural Beauty “Constable Country” in Haven Gateway

188 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Area Strategy Key road and Distinctive Area Supporting Evidence Served rail network Features (Districts) settlements in area and key

Harlow and the • M11 motorway • Strong north-south • The impact of the airport on the M11/Stansted • A414 single transport links via the area must be considered as well Corridor (Epping carriageway M11 and rail routes but as the ability to cope with the Forest, Harlow • West Anglia main these overloaded due to access demands placed upon it and parts of railway – London the strategic nature of the by managing demand and Uttlesford) to Stansted and route between London developing more demand Cambridge and the north management approaches to • Loughton • A rapidly expanding accessing the airport • Epping international airport • The town of Harlow is in need of • Harlow • Harlow town in need of regeneration through the • Saffron Walden major economic development of sustainable regeneration transport networks such as • A nationally recognised walking and cycling growth area • In addition the town of Harlow is • Contrasting development in a nationally recognised growth pattern – urban sprawl area which must recognise the connected to London in impact and role transport can the south, high quality play rural landscape in the north attracting tourism in the form of day trips and leisure activities such as walking and cycling • Earmarked for 40,000 additional jobs and 35,050 new dwellings between 2001 and 2021 (DEEP)

Braintree and • A120 dual and • Developing an east-west • In order to cope with the sheer north Essex single carriageway link provides strategic demand for east-west movements (including parts • Great Eastern access to Stansted Airport the County Council will pursue a of Braintree and railway branch line and Haven Gateway strategic east-west link part of Uttlesford) – Witham to • Braintree town is the which (Stansted to Braintree) has Braintree main focus in a largely already been completed • Braintree rural area • Tourism in the area is an • Halstead • Significant employee/job important feature with many • Great Dunmow unbalance small villages attracting large • High levels of commuting numbers of trips, therefore the to the Heart of Essex area transportation network must be • High quality rural able to cope with these environment attracting additional trips tourism in the form of day trips and leisure activities such as walking and cycling • Development of Braintree Freeport

Table 6.1: Summary of Area Transport Delivery Strategy Characteristics

189 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Cambridgeshire

Suffolk M11 North Essex M11/Stansted CoColchessterer A120 BBrraintrraintrtree Havenav Gateway Hertfoordshire Heart of Essex

Harlow Cheelmsfofordrd

A12

M25 Thames Gatewaytewaywaay Baasildoon Sooutheendndd London Thhurrochuhurroroockk Kent

Figure 6.1: The Five Area Transport Delivery Strategies

6.6 The boundaries between the area strategies are indicative of, and permeable to, the recognised movements between the settlements in the areas themselves, other parts of the Region, and London. 6.7 Essex is a vastly diverse County and must respond to the challenges outlined in Chapter 4. In order to do this three main types of movement have been identified within the Area Strategies, together producing over 13 billion vehicle kms on the national, regional and local road networks. These movements consist of: • Travel between Rural Interchange Centres (RICs), main urban centres and other important regional destinations (Inter-Urban movements) • Travel in the main urban areas and their rural hinterlands (Urban movements) • Travel in smaller towns, villages and rural areas (Rural and Other movements) 6.8 These are all explained below, together with the common problems and potential solutions that the County Council will introduce.

190 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Large Urban Areas: populations of 80,000 +

6.9 The four Regional Interchange Centres (RICs) of Harlow, Chelmsford, Basildon, and Colchester account for approximately a third of the County’s population. Two of the RICs (Basildon and Harlow) are located in nationally designated Growth Areas, and, between them, all the four main urban areas are set to accommodate much of the housing growth proposed for Essex. Additionally there are two other important strategic transport interchange locations within the County: • Stansted Airport (identified as a RIC in the Regional Plan); and • Braintree. 6.10 These RICs have several unique challenges that will be introduced in the Area Transport Delivery Strategies. However, there are a number of features common to all the five areas that are outlined in Table 6.2.

191 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 esidents of Essex r bus and rail operators to incorporate networks Centre each Town walking and cycling facilities with marketing campaigns to increase health benefits olutions: ssues: I safety concerns • Personal concerns for the • Health S with working • Partnership of CCTV • Extension improved • Providing arlow) esidential estates of the nitiative a serious issue particularly in the r (Basildon/ new towns H addressed through a through addressed countywide programme of improvements approach I olutions: ssues: I is becoming • Maintenance S These issues will be • fence-to-fence • New Maintenance • New : ogramme earing driving and non seat belt w programmes carried out in partnership with Essex Police Pr will be and routes a to ensure increased for all safer environment olutions: ssues I drink • Motorcycling, S scheme • Remedial programme • Enforcement Training Safety • Road facilities of cycle • Quality : ise reduction measures ise reduction istrict/Borough Councils istrict/Borough trategy implementation outes congested (peak the transport network r periods) Capacity issues at the junctions on major routes and emissions No S including: traffic monitoring cameras, car telematics, electronic guidance, one way park systems and tidal flow by systems all controlled Traffic first the UK’s Centre Control D to influence parking standards behavioural changes planning tools olutions ssues: I demand placed on • Large radial and distributor • Key • growth traffic • Increased of noise levels • Higher S • Management • Traffic and Ride • Park with • Working Partnerships Bus • Quality • Attitudinal and • Appropriate land use and Air Quality services and employment food shopping particularly for the elderly facilities within town centres quality of the bus 2008) (100% by in areas developments accessible that are networks and cycling ccessibility Congestion Safety Maintenance of Life Quality olutions: ssues: A I to everyday Access • of dwellings • Dislocation and to healthcare Access • S • Appropriate parking and frequency • Increasing • Work travel plans plans • School travel • Locate all new existing walking • Expand able 6.2: Large Urban Areas’ Characteristics T

192 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Inter-Urban Routes

6.11 Essex will experience significant traffic growth as a direct consequence of the increased economic development outlined in the Draft East of England Plan (DEEP). In addition, the planned expansion and construction of the ports and airports in the corridors will ultimately result in a greater demand being placed on the transportation network. It is impractical to cater for all the growth planned, but there is, however, a pressing need to tackle the deficit, that has been the result of the historic under-investment in the road and rail networks. This will ensure that the whole transport system can cope with current demand and be managed and maintained to a suitable standard in the future. Consequently, this will fulfil the objectives associated with reducing congestion, improving safety, and maintaining roads, and the economic aims of the growth areas. The particular corridors that have been identified for improvement include: • A12, M25, A120, M11 trunk road corridors; • A13, A127 and A130/A131 Inter-Urban route corridors; • Great Eastern Main Line; and • West Anglia and Great Northern Line. 6.12 Essex County Council has long recognised that demand management and “smarter choices” have important roles to play in successfully addressing the growth in traffic. The County Council will continue to invest in packages of measures to mitigate against the increased demand for travel both within and through Essex. 6.13 In order to deliver the strategy the County Council recognises that it is essential to form delivery partnerships with the private sector, Government and other agencies, and to plan and implement the necessary improvements, some of which are long term but all of which are urgent and overdue.

193 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 artnerships to ensure growth in Essex there growth levels will be increased and car traffic of freight routes using inter-urban major schemes and goods movements large will be completed to demand investigate management measures and consider increasing capacity where appropriate P distribution the efficient the of goods across County olutions: ssues: I of planned levels With • S • Countywide strategy for Quality • Freight ypassed routes more ypassed routes outes may not be equired r suitable for demand management measures additional some routes capacity may be r will continue to be to make investigated b to more attractive sustainable modes olutions: ssues: I • Certain inter-urban S of to the nature • Due measures • Post-bypass ighways Agency concerns throughout the County of programme will be improvements implemented will continue with the H olutions: ssues: I maintenance • On-going S • A countywide working • Partnership oung drivers, drivers oung drivers, oads, accidents have nature of inter-urban nature r a tendency to be higher in severity look into remedial action along known accident spots publicity will be carried the out to target specific County’s such as problems y under the influence of drink and drugs, motorcyclists olutions: ssues: I to the high speed • Due S The County Council will • training and • Education mber Plate rid initiatives and rid initiatives ecognition (ANPR) congestion along inter- and at urban routes key junctions of sustainable modes with bus and rail operators through improvements schemes such as Green G working in partnership working with organisations such as SUSTRANS such as car initiatives sharing, public transport marketing and teleworking Nu R cameras will be used for monitoring real time journey reliability such as measures road investigating pricing in certain locations in Essex DfT continue to lobby Rail Rail and Network to for improvements to the rail network modal switch prevent travel to road olutions: ssues: I of levels • General S • Continued promotion working • Partnership • Environmental • Travel planning • Travel Automatic • CCTV and management • Demand The County Council will • and Air Quality Growth lanning Partnerships provision provision passenger transport journeys to identify local the through problems Local Accessibility P transport provision and interchange opportunities passenger transport and infrastructure information provision capacity also over likely to and are worsen with planned of housing and levels economic growth olutions: ccessibility Congestion Safety Maintenance of Life Quality and Economy ssues: I • Lack of service of crime on • Fear S working • Partnership public • Improving of • Upgrading are • Rail networks A able 6.3: Inter-urban Areas’ able 6.3: Inter-urban Characteristics T

194 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Rural Areas: Market and Small Towns

6.14 The rural areas in the County range from interlinking villages on the urban fringes in the south, moving to the predominantly rural character of the north. Rural accessibility needs are similar to urban areas with access needed to employment, healthcare, education and retail services. The County Council is committed to improving the Quality of Life for all its residents by providing sustainable and demand responsive transport. 6.15 The vision for rural transport is to create a framework that provides access to services and facilities for rural residents, regardless of geographic distance, mobility impairment and car ownership. 6.16 The following schemes and initiatives have been identified to help to deliver improved accessibility and increase the Quality of Life of rural residents: • Cycling: An accessible and cheap alternative to the private car for getting around. The County Council will look at connecting cycleways as well as increasing the overall quality. This has included maintenance initiatives and the creation of off-road routes. • Footpaths: Recent initiatives have included promoting and utilising bridleways and footways that are aimed at encouraging tourism, safety and recreation. The County Council will continue to invest in the development of appropriate footways. • Road Passenger Transport Strategy: In rural areas the key elements which have been identified are to: – Consider the potential of integrated ticketing; – Expansion of the real time passenger information systems to key rural routes; – Maintain a particular focus on access for more rural areas; and – Increase the use of, and improve access to, Community Transport Services. • VillageLink Network: is a series of County Council subsidised bus services that encompasses rural villages across Essex with at present over 1/2 million passengers pre annum, as a result of an intensive marketing campaign. • Demand Responsive Transport: Due to a dispersed population in rural areas it is expensive to provide a regular bus service for every community. One option is to run a bus service between core destinations and have geographical areas either side within which the bus may operate on request. There is also the potential for one centralised call centre for all Demand Responsive Transport routes which in the long term could bring down the overall price.

195 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 • Community Transport: This is a not-for-profit passenger transport service often provided by voluntary or community based groups, who provide cost effective accessible transport for those residents who are unable to use conventional transport. • Community Link: The Community Link initiative provides a connection from A to B as an addition to Community Transport and conventional public transport services. This will have a key impact in rural areas, especially those which suffer from isolation from services, and individuals experiencing mobility impairment. • Community Rail Partnership: The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, established in 1997 has the key objective to: ‘Encourage and promote rail travel for residents and business users of the communities along the four branch lines by way of regeneration, tourism/leisure and community development projects to enable the communities to increase their economic, social and environmental welfare. 6.17 The key issues in the rural areas of the County are likely to be accessibility, safety, localised congestion, air quality hotspots and Quality of Life issues, including protection of the environment and heritage and access to the countryside for tourism and informal recreation. 6.18 Common areas of specific concern in smaller towns and rural areas include such things as the roads not being fit for purpose, verges suffering from erosion, safety issues, limited public transport services, gaps in the network of sustainable travel modes and declining provision of essential services such as local post offices. Limited bus access and a lack of a suitable alternatives for residents has a large impact on Quality of Life issues due to restricted opportunities.

196 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Basildon and the Thames Gateway towns may become towns cluttered be continued the LTPthroughout in new developments using the new design guidelines for Essex olutions: ssues: I in smaller • Streetscape S design will • Sympathetic mage to county roads Da and lanes including verge erosion of Countywide programme to address improvements maintenance Combination of engineering and to measures enforcement deter LGVs olutions: ssues: I • • • S concern in rural areas also at risk are schemes programmes programmes programme enforcement in partnership with Essex Police olutions: ssues: I is a particular • Speeding road users • Vulnerable S reduction • Speed safety education • Road • Accident remedial • Countywide elopment Documents v artnership and to ensure that and to ensure is transport in rural areas for catered and public transport cycling is funded provision Touring SUSTRANS, Cyclists the Ramblers Club, Association and local to action groups cycling and the availability increase of the attractiveness network cycle County’s of the development Community Transport services transport hubs at key rural locations the Community Rail P Borough Councils in the Borough of their Local preparation De olutions: ssues: • Ensuring that walking, • Ensuring in partnership with Working • in • Continued investment of passenger • Development in • Continued investment I congestion hotspots • Minor S and with District Working • and Air Quality esponsive transport esponsive illage Link and Demand services, such as post offices due to infrequent more the dispersed populations and lower demand travel of daily provision services (e.g. post offices) journeys undertaken by Community Transport Rights of Public provision of Way in continue to invest V R schemes ccessibility Congestion Safety Maintenance of Life Quality olutions: ssues: I to key Accessibility • services are Transport • of levels • Declining S the number of • Improving and the level • Improving The County Council will • A able 6.4: Rural Areas’ Characteristics T Please fold out

200a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 200b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 201 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 197 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Our Transport Strategy All Essex Chapter 6

Demographics Local Services Harlow M11 Stansted Cambridgeshire Population of Essex 1,310,000 Accident and Emergency Hospitals 4 North Essex Car ownership 707,000 Primary schools 474 Housing 544,500 pupils 122,700 Demographics Demographics Jobs 434,900 Secondary schools 80 Population of Area Strategy 251,000 pupils 94,322 Population of Area Strategy 110,000 Population of Harlow 79,000 Further/Higher Education colleges 13 Population of Braintree-split 92,000 Population of Epping Forest 121,000 Travel Patterns Population of Uttlesford-split 18,000 Population of Uttlesford-split 51,000 Containment level 60% Population RIC 37,500 Population of RIC 79,000 Journey to work by Car 68% Local Challenges Car ownership 85,500 Car ownership 138,500 Rail patronage 9% Congestion points 35 Housing 61,500 Housing 104,000 Bus patronage 4% Declared AQMAs 8 Jobs 46,200 Jobs 88,500 Quality Bus Partnerships KSI casualties 1,075 (operating within Strategy Area) 47 Travel Patterns Travel Patterns Hertfordshire Containment level 50% Containment level 55% Journey to work by Car 72% Journey to work by Car 70% Basildon and Colchester and Rail patronage 6% Rail patronage 10% Bus patronage 3% Bus patronage 3% Quality Bus Partnerships Quality Bus Partnerships Thames Gateway Haven Gateway (operating within Strategy Area) 4 (operating within Strategy Area) 7 Heart of Essex Demographics Demographics Demographics Local Services Population of Area Strategy 331,000 Population of Area Strategy 295,000 Local Services Accident and Emergency Hospitals 0 Population of Area Strategy 325,000 Population of Basildon 166,000 Population of Colchester 156,000 Accident and Emergency Hospitals 1 Primary schools 54 Population of Chelmsford 157,000 Population of Castle Point 87,000 Population of Tendring 139,000 Primary schools 106 pupils 13,157 Population of Brentwood 69,000 Population of Rochford 78,000 Population of RIC 102,500 pupils 24,566 Secondary schools 8 Population of Maldon 59,000 Population of RIC 97,000 Car ownership 145,500 Secondary schools 16 pupils 8,309 Population of Braintree-split 40,000 Car ownership 173,500 Housing 125,00 pupils 17,103 Population of RIC 102,000 Further/Higher Education colleges 1 Further/Higher Education colleges 3 Housing 136,500 Jobs 93,800 Car ownership 164,000 Jobs 98,400 Housing 117,500 Local Challenges Jobs 108,000 Local Challenges Travel Patterns Travel Patterns Congestion points 4 Congestion points 5 Containment level 79% Declared AQMAs 0 Travel Patterns Containment level 55% Declared AQMAs 8 Journey to work by Car 65% KSI casualties 89 Journey to work by Car 67% KSI casualties 244 Containment level 63% Rail patronage 5% Journey to work by Car 66% Rail patronage 13% Bus patronage 6% Rail patronage 10% Bus patronage 4% Quality Bus Partnerships Bus patronage 3% Quality Bus Partnerships (operating within Strategy Area) 11 Quality Bus Partnerships (operating within Strategy Area) 10 (operating within Strategy Area) 15 Southend Local Services Local Services Local Services Accident and Emergency Hospitals 1 Accident and Emergency Hospitals 1 Accident and Emergency Hospitals 1 Primary schools 110 Primary schools 104 Primary schools 100 Thurrock pupils 33,227 pupils 26,046 pupils 25,704 Secondary schools 19 Secondary schools 18 Secondary schools 19 pupils 24,297 pupils 19,715 pupils 24,898 Further/Higher Education colleges 2 Further/Higher Education colleges 3 Further/Higher Education colleges 4 Legend Local Challenges Local Challenges Local Challenges Junction Improvements Air Quality Improvements Proposed Park/Ride Sites STEPS Programme of Improvement Congestion points 12 Congestion points 7 Congestion points 7 Declared AQMAs 7 Highway Improvements Regeneration Proposals Community/Demand Responsive Transport Home Zone Proposals Declared AQMAs 0 Declared AQMAs 2 KSI casualties 295 Rail/Community Rail Improvements Quality Bus Routes Hospital Access Improvements Access to Canvey Island KSI casualties 200 KSI casualties 247

198 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 199 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 199a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 199b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Our Transport Strategy All Essex Chapter 6

198 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 199 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 199a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 199b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Basildon and the Thames Gateway towns may become towns cluttered be continued the LTPthroughout in new developments using the new design guidelines for Essex olutions: ssues: I in smaller • Streetscape S design will • Sympathetic mage to county roads Da and lanes including verge erosion of Countywide programme to address improvements maintenance Combination of engineering and to measures enforcement deter LGVs olutions: ssues: I • • • S concern in rural areas also at risk are schemes programmes programmes programme enforcement in partnership with Essex Police olutions: ssues: I is a particular • Speeding road users • Vulnerable S reduction • Speed safety education • Road • Accident remedial • Countywide elopment Documents v artnership and to ensure that and to ensure is transport in rural areas for catered and public transport cycling is funded provision Touring SUSTRANS, Cyclists the Ramblers Club, Association and local to action groups cycling and the availability increase of the attractiveness network cycle County’s of the development Community Transport services transport hubs at key rural locations the Community Rail P Borough Councils in the Borough of their Local preparation De olutions: ssues: • Ensuring that walking, • Ensuring in partnership with Working • in • Continued investment of passenger • Development in • Continued investment I congestion hotspots • Minor S and with District Working • and Air Quality esponsive transport esponsive illage Link and Demand services, such as post offices due to infrequent more the dispersed populations and lower demand travel of daily provision services (e.g. post offices) journeys undertaken by Community Transport Rights of Public provision of Way in continue to invest V R schemes ccessibility Congestion Safety Maintenance of Life Quality olutions: ssues: I to key Accessibility • services are Transport • of levels • Declining S the number of • Improving and the level • Improving The County Council will • A able 6.4: Rural Areas’ Characteristics T Please fold out

200a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 200b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 201 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 197 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Colchester and the Haven Gateway

6.24 At the heart of this transformation is a major investment programme in transport infrastructure and Basildon and the Thames Gateway services to improve choice for businesses and the local community, to help support the regeneration Transportation Board of the locality. The TGSE Business Plan for Transport sets out a prioritised and integrated package of The TGSE Board and the three transport authorities have come together in South Essex to form a new proposals designed to underpin the growth and regeneration of TGSE by providing access to health, Transportation Board. The Board will focus resources and deliver essential transport infrastructure to support 6.19 Basildon and the Thames Gateway contains the largest population (330,000) of the County Council’s five jobs, education and land for housing and new development in a sustainable way. strategy areas and covers three districts/boroughs. Basildon is the largest town and has been identified as a development growth and regeneration. It will provide impetus, direction and focus for transportation Regional Interchange Centre (RIC) in the Draft East of England Plan (DEEP). The area also includes the towns proposals whilst ensuring that there is a cross-cutting and joined up approach throughout TGSE. of Benfleet, Billericay, Canvey, Rayleigh, Rochford and Wickford, together with their rural hinterlands. The area This approach has led to the development of strong links with the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development is bordered by the Unitary Authorities of Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea, and is part of the wider Thames Corporation (TTGDC), the Renaissance Partnerships and the private sector, and seeks to establish new Gateway South Essex (TGSE) area, recognised by Government as a national priority for regeneration and TGSE: Business Plan for Transport partnerships with key organisations. At present partnerships have been developed with the following growth. Akey aim of the recently published Business Plan is to ensure that the growth and regeneration in TGSE is organisations: underpinned by the provision of appropriate sustainable transport infrastructure. Through this document a new TGSE Board 6.20 TGSE offers an exciting opportunity to transform one of the key growth areas in the UK into a top location ODPM opportunity is presented enabling the release of land for development through a planned and integrated approach. for people to live, work and visit. The regeneration of TGSE is gathering momentum and this is highlighted This approach is vital in ensuring that schemes are implemented over the right time scale to enable people to within the Sustainable Communities Plan which has identified that TGSE needs to accommodate an access the key services. Delivery of the Plan will facilitate economic, social and physical regeneration of the whole additional 37,000 homes and 55,000 extra jobs over the next 15 years. Alongside this the decision to award GO-East area; providing the opportunity for TGSE to catch up with the rest of the Thames Gateway. the 2012 Olympic Games to London and the development of the London Gateway Port at Shell Haven will Thurrock Thames Gateway provide an additional impetus to address the needs of the area. The Business Plan outlines a programme of schemes ranging from cycleways to major strategic highway Development Corporation improvements through a coherent and integrated package. This package will provide positive benefits to support the Transportation Board economy, improve health, reduce congestion and improve the environment. However, it is recognised that A130 P&O Partners Billericay infrastructure alone will not be sufficient to tackle the problems in TGSE and there is clearly a need to manage demand and encourage sustainable alternatives to the private car. With this in mind, one of the new initiatives within the Business Plan is an innovative mass transit system called South Essex Rapid Transit (SERT). SERT will Essex Business A129 provide the catalyst in unlocking new development through the delivery of a high quality, fast, efficient, reliable and Consortium dedicated passenger transport system (see SERT Panel in Chapter 5). Southend-on-Sea Rayleigh Borough Council Thurrock Council Highways Agency 6.25 The Business Plan aims to tackle these issues head on through the implementation of an integrated package Basildonsild of transport infrastructure and service proposals that will stimulate economic development by enabling people to access key services and releasing land for local housing and development. The existing infrastructure, strategic transportation proposals and development sites are highlighted below. The partners outlined above have identified the following A13 objectives for the Board: Soouth Benfleeteet • Deliver the Transformation Strategy • Prioritise transport infrastructure and service improvements Strategic Route • Develop a joint approach to delivering the Local Highway Other main roads Authority LTPs Canvey • Seek the opportunity to secure funding for transportation Town centre infrastructure and services • Guide major scheme and integrated transport measure Figure 6.2: Basildon Strategy Area Railway / Passenger development and delivery • Work in partnership with the Thames Gateway Board to Wider Challenges deliver a shared vision 6.21 Whilst TGSE presents many opportunities, the level of development highlighted above will place considerable • Develop a forward looking programme to deliver pressure on an already congested road network and public transport system. Congestion of the strategic transportation schemes and development proposals corridor (A127 and A13) will also have a knock-on effect on the local road network. Within the urban centres, traffic levels are predicted to cause congestion, hindering the introduction of better public transport unless widespread priority measures are established. Pressure will exist from other forms of growth, such as the Basildon Hospital expansion and several large-scale developments including Gardiners Lane South, Basildon. Basildon (Regional Interchange Centre) The proximity of TGSE to London will also add additional pressure on the transport network. 6.27 Basildon is a key priority area for sustainable regeneration. Basildon’s long-term vision is to be 6.22 Alongside this many parts of TGSE are not sufficiently self-contained and suffer from a lack of affordable recognised as a “Centre of Business Excellence” and through this it will be able to distinguish itself housing, a considerable skills gap and worrying levels of crime and the fear of crime, all of which are as a thriving business district and centre of innovation. The town will become a major employment detrimental to people’s quality of life. If the development of a Sustainable Community is to be achieved, and focal point with the Draft East of England Plan (DEEP) identifying the provision of 11,000 extra jobs the outward trend of commuting stemmed, then it will be essential to address these issues by providing a within the district. However, training provision is currently inadequate and approximately 24,000 balance of skills, jobs and housing. However, this cannot be achieved without the support of an efficient and 6.26 The public and private sectors are working in partnership to help steer the programme of development and people have poor literacy and numeracy skills, in addition to the high proportion (32%) of 16 to 74 effective transport system that meets the needs of the local community. the transportation initiatives identified above through a TGSE Transportation Board. It is recognised that no year-olds with no qualifications at all. The need for affordable housing is critical and low-cost one organisation can deliver the transport programme contained within the Business Plan and therefore the transport is essential to enable easy access to jobs and services. 6.23 In order to meet the development pressures and challenges, good strategic road and rail links alongside need for new, integrated and successful working partnerships are essential. The partners will work together high quality public transport are essential to create the new capacity needed to meet future development to prioritise the short, medium and long term packages that shape the Business Plan. 6.28 This area strategy has been designed to help achieve the aim for the Thames Gateway sub-region, needs. The scale of change required in TGSE has been confirmed in the London to Southend Movement described within the DEEP and the Sustainable Communities Plan, to contribute to a more Study (LOTS) completed in 2004 that addressed the issues raised by Government in Regional Planning successful, outward looking and regenerated sub-region with a higher Quality of Life. Basildon has Guidance 9a. a number of unique issues that will be addressed through Thames Gateway South Essex: Business Plan for Transport and this LTP. Please fold out

206 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 202 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 202a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 202b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Colchester and the Haven Gateway

206 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 202 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 202a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 202b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Accessibility Air Quality in Basildon and the Thames Gateway (Basildon, Castle Point, 6.42 A key element of the RMS is the undertaking of maintenance in a timely and coordinated manner. To this end, the County Council endorsed the exceptional carriageway maintenance bid submitted by Thurrock Delivery programme for Basildon and the Thames Gateway 6.29 The Business Plan aims to enhance the Quality of Life of the local community by providing better Rochford) Council for the A13. Following Thurrock Council’s successful bid for additional funding the County Council access to employment, education, health, social services, retail and leisure facilities. With this in 6.52 The new Transportation Board formed by the TGSE Board and the three Local Highway Authorities aims to 6.36 The 2005 Air Quality Progress reports for this area identified possible exceedences of the air quality will continue to investigate and undertake appropriate remedial measures on the adjoining section of the mind, programmes and solutions are provided that reflect the wider policy initiatives being A13 within its block maintenance allocation. focus resources and deliver essential transport infrastructure to support development growth. The developed across the entire gateway. objectives in Basildon (near Gloucester Park) and in Rochford (Eastwood Road and High Street Transportation Board will provide impetus, direction and focus for transportation proposals whilst ensuring junction, Rayleigh). These locations are currently being assessed further using automatic monitoring 6.43 The County Council continues to pursue and develop a number of strategic road and passenger-transport that there is a cross-cutting approach throughout TGSE. stations and nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes to determine whether AQMAs will need to be declared. 6.30 Basildon Hospital is the major health centre for the Basildon District and parts of Thurrock. Retail based solutions arising out of London to Southend Movement Study (LOTS), for example, South Essex The outcome of these pieces of work will be reported in the LTP Annual Progress Reports. Should facilities are located around the town centre, at Pipps Hill and the Mayflower Retail Park. In order Rapid Transit (SERT), an innovative bus-based mass transit system, is in the early stages of detailed 6.53 It is clear that if the vision and objectives for TGSE are to be met, new approaches to funding and delivery an AQMA be declared at either location, the County Council will work closely with the District to provide for an improved Quality of Life, access to these services is vital for all people, examination. of transport infrastructure need to be harnessed. The successful delivery of the proposals will need drive and especially those from disadvantaged groups. Council to develop the Action Plan. momentum to secure the necessary consents and approvals required. 6.44 There are considerable gaps in the north-south public transport movement to the Heart of Essex and beyond 6.37 Although no exceedences of the air quality objectives have been identified in Castle Point, busy 6.31 A number of large employment areas are located across Basildon RIC. These include the areas that reduce connectivity and accessibility to key destinations. To help address this a number of existing and 6.54 The prioritised Implementation Programme outlined within the Business Plan for Transport now needs to be roads in the town centre and congested inter-urban routes have the potential to cause air quality around Cranes Farm Road; Burnt Mills; Festival Leisure Park; Pipps Hill and the town centre. The proposed inter-urban Quality Bus Partnerships will be enhanced, including the X30 route from Southend-on- developed to a level of detail sufficient to allow early implementation. Much work has already commenced in problems in future. A network of nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes is being established to monitor air proposed Fryerns Craylands development will unlock dwellings close to a number of job Sea to Stansted Airport (via South Essex and Chelmsford). At present, there are inadequate interchange order to ensure that the short term programme in particular is deliverable. Significant funding has already quality in the District. opportunities in a sustainable manner. At present, due to a lack of services and the infrequency of facilities at Benfleet, Billericay and Wickford rail stations that exacerbate the problem of inter-urban been allocated by the three Highways Authorities to begin the development of some of the key medium to passenger transport people without access to a vehicle can find it difficult to access many of these movement to and from the Thames Gateway. The facilities at these stations will be assessed and updated longer term projects and they will also examine and progress jointly as appropriate the potential new employment locations, which, in turn will have a detrimental effect on Quality of Life. The Business Economy and Growth during the course of the second Local Transport Plan where appropriate, to ensure that they comply with opportunities to ease congestion in TGSE offered by the Transport Innovation Fund. Plan aims to tackle these issues head on through the implementation of an integrated package of County Council standards. transport infrastructure and service proposals that will stimulate economic development by enabling 6.38 Basildon is a key priority area for sustainable regeneration, seeking to become a thriving business 6.55 Growth and development continues beyond this LTP period, and feasibility work must be undertaken during district and centre of innovation. Several major ongoing initiatives and renewal programmes are people to access key services and releasing land for local housing and development. 6.45 The County Council will use the countywide Traffic Management Strategy to maximise capacity on the A129 the second Local Transport Plan to deliver projects in LTP3 and LTP4 to support growth and regeneration. being pursued in the town, including the development of the Gardiners Lane South site and and A132, whilst tackling many of the congested junctions in Wickford, Rochford, Canvey and Benfleet. These projects in relation to the whole TGSE sub-region are outlined below, requiring a mix of revenue and regeneration. In order to mitigate some of the detrimental effects likely to occur on the transport Access to Canvey Island presents a considerable challenge that needs to be resolved and investigations will capital funding to turn concepts into deliverable projects. network, the County Council will continue to work with the District Council to ensure that future continue to take place to assess the range of transport options available to improve the quality of life for Fryerns Craylands Development land uses will minimise the need for travel and that the locations are adequately served by those people wishing to gain access to and from the island. The proposed Fryerns Craylands development in Basildon provides the sustainable transport measures. opportunity to showcase the very best of a new Sustainable Community in Delivery programme for Basildon and the Thames Gateway the Thames Gateway South Essex Growth Area. A cross-cutting project combining the opportunities given by new development to regenerate an Gardiners Lane South Other Towns and Rural Areas Proposal Funding Cost Delivery existing deprived state with high crime and very poor educational attainment. The Gardiners Lane South development is fundamental in creating a major The development provides for new housing, new educational, health, local Source £000 Body business hub for the area. The County Council is working closely with English 6.46 The Business Plan outlines that the vision for the Castle Point Borough is to provide an enhanced level of community facilities and measures to reduce crime. The redevelopment Partnerships to ensure that the commercial and residential development sustainable living by providing greater employment opportunities in Canvey, Hadleigh and Benfleet. The proposals have the potential to unlock approximately 1,000 dwellings. Major Schemes proposals for the site can be accessed by all modes of transportation. aspiration is for Castle Point to contribute to the wider vision of the sub-region through making more South Essex Rapid Transit LTP Major/RFA 85,000 ECC efficient and effective use of its brownfield sites in order to provide for the affordable housing and greater The County Council have been awarded £5.5 million through the Community A13/A130 Sadlers Farm Intersection LTP Major/ RFA 77,000 ECC The site will be accessible for walking and cycling and passenger transport employment opportunities needed both within the borough and the wider sub-region. Infrastructure Fund Bid to assist in delivering the transport schemes essential A127 and A1159 Route Management Strategy and access via the new Ghyllgrove Bus Link that will form part of the SERT to developing the site. It will provide access to key services through high- network. English Partnerships have also developed a model of the existing 6.47 Rochford District’s potential as a development area for leisure, recreation and tourism has been highlighted Major Maintenance LTP Major 22,300 ECC SBC quality public transport systems accessing directly into the development and travel movements on the road network surrounding the site. They are in both the Business Plan and the Vision for the TGSE sub-region. Given the success of the London 2012 M25 Widening junction 26 to 31 HA TPI HA Funded HA enhanced cycling and walking networks to access to jobs, health, education and retail opportunities. The new currently developing a number of scenarios investigating the amount of Olympic bid, Rochford should play a prominent part in the regeneration of the sub-region through its role Gardiners Lane South Access Improvements A132/A176/A127 Dev Dev Dev ECC development will be constructed around the latest urban design standards for sustainable development development the highway infrastructure can support with the relevant junction as a centre for leisure and recreational facilities within the Thames Gateway. The possible expansion of C2C Line Capacity 12 car platforms CIF 12,200 Network Rail providing urban squares and safe streets with traffic calming built in to keep speeds low and create an improvements. The County Council are continuing to work with English London Southend Airport of up to 3 million passengers annually will play a key strategic role for the Roscommon Way Regeneration TG CIF 24,000 ECC/Dev environment to encourage walking and cycling. Partnerships in developing a range of scenarios for the site. economy and tourism. Any airport expansion will require a Surface Access Strategy to provide a choice of Fryerns/ Craylands Regeneration Access TG CIF 5,900 ECC EP/Dev transport alternatives. A13 Passenger Transport corridor LTP/ RFA 4,000 ECC 6.32 In order to counteract some of the accessibility issues it is proposed that many of the largest 6.48 Local congestion issues have been identified in the towns of Billericay, Wickford, Canvey, Benfleet and Delivering Accessibility employers in Basildon will develop Travel Plans by 2011. There are currently five Quality Bus 6.39 Essex County Council fully supports and will contribute to any work aimed at investigating and Rayleigh and these will be addressed through the Traffic Management Strategy and a variety of scoping Partnerships (QBPs) within the Basildon RIC and by the end of the second Local Transport Plan, establishing the major infrastructure and transport services required for the appropriate expansion of studies. Additionally, seven bridges have been identified in the small towns and rural areas for structural Access to education in Thames Gateway LTP/Dev 125 ECC there will be 18 in operation within the strategy area that will enable a much enhanced level of London Southend Airport. The County Council will continue to invest in the development of the maintenance work during the second Local Transport Plan. Community Rail Partnership Station Enhancements LTP 13 ECC accessibility to the key destinations. To reinforce the County Council’s commitment to public Thames Gateway Modelling Framework to ensure that the strategic housing and employment Community Transport Interchange Pilot LTP 20 ECC transport, improvements will be sought to increase integration between bus and rail services, for allocations within Basildon are located in the correct locations with the provision of the right Public Rights of Way LTP/Dev 15 ECC example at the proposed redevelopment site of Basildon Bus Station. transport infrastructure (see TG Model Panel in Chapter 5). Planning for the Future Walking and Cycling LTP/Dev 1,296 ECC 6.33 Currently Basildon has an extensive cycle network; however there are a number of gaps that Bus and Rail Interchange Enhancements LTP/Dev 550 ECC ultimately reduce the attractiveness of using the bicycle to access the key destinations. To 6.49 Each of the key major projects arising out of the LOTS study has been evaluated using a methodology Rural Transport Hubs LTP 40 ECC address these problems the current network will be expanded in order to increase the quality of Inter-urban previously used by the South East England Regional Assembly. The importance of each project has been cross town routes and the maintenance and design of existing routes will be enhanced. judged in terms of a number of key policy drivers, including accessibility, impact on economy, social Tackling Congestion 6.40 A number of strategic highway routes are currently operating at capacity. Within the County Council’s inclusion, links to development, growth and deliverability. Driver Telematics & Incident & Parking Management LTP/Dev 280 ECC Highway Network Capacity Study, the Congestion Reference Flow for the A127 and A13 emerged at Providing Safer Crossings LTP/Dev 899 ECC Congestion and Air Quality 6.50 In addition to this, the business community in Essex, through the Essex Business Consortium, commissioned between 1.01 and 1.14 for these two strategic routes. The various traffic problems around the Sadlers Quality Bus Partnership LTP/Dev 1,473 ECC 6.34 Several of Basildon’s key routes are congested. The traffic flow and movement along particular a study designed to identify the key infrastructure priorities essential to successful economic regeneration. Farm junction (A130/A13) are a direct result of the mixture of strategic and local traffic movements, Short term congestion relief in the RICs and towns LTP/Dev 1,015 ECC corridors is hindered by a number of junction hotspots, including the junctions between: The outcome of this work has been taken into account in the prioritisation exercise. The product of the with the consequences being unreliable access to Canvey Island and the whole South Essex sub- overall evaluation is the establishment of realistic and deliverable short, medium and longer term Traffic Management Strategy LTP/Dev 1,100 ECC region. As part of the provisional second LTP programme, the County Council provided an Annex E • A132 (Nevendon Road/East Mayne) and A127; programmes. submission for the grade-separation of the strategic traffic from local movement. • A1321 (Broadmayne) and A176 (Nethermayne); Countywide Programme 6.51 The outcome of the prioritisation process has resulted in the identification of a number of flagship high Countywide schemes LTP/Dev 8,630 ECC • A127 and B148 (Dunton); 6.41 Congestion and the poor level of air quality is a major problem at many of the junctions on the priority schemes, as identified below. A number of these have also emerged in the top two categories strategic network, including Rayleigh Weir and Fairglen. The County Council will investigate and • A176, B148 and A1235 (Cranes Farm Road); resulting from the East of England Regional Assembly’s own prioritisation. address these problems through the development and implementation of the A127/A13 Route • A13 and A176 (Five Bells); and Management Strategy (RMS), in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough and Thurrock Councils. Table 6.5: Delivery Programme for Basildon and the Thames Gateway (excludes countywide funding) • A13 and A132 (Pitsea). The aim of the RMS is to deliver improvements to the A13 and A127 as an integral part of the overall sustainable transportation strategy for the sub-region, complementing and supporting 6.35 The Thames Gateway area has 11 specific sites that may emerge as Air Quality Management Areas, existing and future projects, studies and initiatives. during the course of the second Local Transport Plan. To help reduce some of Basildon’s general congestion and air quality issues the County Council will introduce a congestion management plan in the town, as part of the Traffic Management Strategy.

203a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 203b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 204 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 205 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Accessibility Air Quality in Basildon and the Thames Gateway (Basildon, Castle Point, 6.42 A key element of the RMS is the undertaking of maintenance in a timely and coordinated manner. To this end, the County Council endorsed the exceptional carriageway maintenance bid submitted by Thurrock Delivery programme for Basildon and the Thames Gateway 6.29 The Business Plan aims to enhance the Quality of Life of the local community by providing better Rochford) Council for the A13. Following Thurrock Council’s successful bid for additional funding the County Council access to employment, education, health, social services, retail and leisure facilities. With this in 6.52 The new Transportation Board formed by the TGSE Board and the three Local Highway Authorities aims to 6.36 The 2005 Air Quality Progress reports for this area identified possible exceedences of the air quality will continue to investigate and undertake appropriate remedial measures on the adjoining section of the mind, programmes and solutions are provided that reflect the wider policy initiatives being A13 within its block maintenance allocation. focus resources and deliver essential transport infrastructure to support development growth. The developed across the entire gateway. objectives in Basildon (near Gloucester Park) and in Rochford (Eastwood Road and High Street Transportation Board will provide impetus, direction and focus for transportation proposals whilst ensuring junction, Rayleigh). These locations are currently being assessed further using automatic monitoring 6.43 The County Council continues to pursue and develop a number of strategic road and passenger-transport that there is a cross-cutting approach throughout TGSE. stations and nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes to determine whether AQMAs will need to be declared. 6.30 Basildon Hospital is the major health centre for the Basildon District and parts of Thurrock. Retail based solutions arising out of London to Southend Movement Study (LOTS), for example, South Essex The outcome of these pieces of work will be reported in the LTP Annual Progress Reports. Should facilities are located around the town centre, at Pipps Hill and the Mayflower Retail Park. In order Rapid Transit (SERT), an innovative bus-based mass transit system, is in the early stages of detailed 6.53 It is clear that if the vision and objectives for TGSE are to be met, new approaches to funding and delivery an AQMA be declared at either location, the County Council will work closely with the District to provide for an improved Quality of Life, access to these services is vital for all people, examination. of transport infrastructure need to be harnessed. The successful delivery of the proposals will need drive and especially those from disadvantaged groups. Council to develop the Action Plan. momentum to secure the necessary consents and approvals required. 6.44 There are considerable gaps in the north-south public transport movement to the Heart of Essex and beyond 6.37 Although no exceedences of the air quality objectives have been identified in Castle Point, busy 6.31 A number of large employment areas are located across Basildon RIC. These include the areas that reduce connectivity and accessibility to key destinations. To help address this a number of existing and 6.54 The prioritised Implementation Programme outlined within the Business Plan for Transport now needs to be roads in the town centre and congested inter-urban routes have the potential to cause air quality around Cranes Farm Road; Burnt Mills; Festival Leisure Park; Pipps Hill and the town centre. The proposed inter-urban Quality Bus Partnerships will be enhanced, including the X30 route from Southend-on- developed to a level of detail sufficient to allow early implementation. Much work has already commenced in problems in future. A network of nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes is being established to monitor air proposed Fryerns Craylands development will unlock dwellings close to a number of job Sea to Stansted Airport (via South Essex and Chelmsford). At present, there are inadequate interchange order to ensure that the short term programme in particular is deliverable. Significant funding has already quality in the District. opportunities in a sustainable manner. At present, due to a lack of services and the infrequency of facilities at Benfleet, Billericay and Wickford rail stations that exacerbate the problem of inter-urban been allocated by the three Highways Authorities to begin the development of some of the key medium to passenger transport people without access to a vehicle can find it difficult to access many of these movement to and from the Thames Gateway. The facilities at these stations will be assessed and updated longer term projects and they will also examine and progress jointly as appropriate the potential new employment locations, which, in turn will have a detrimental effect on Quality of Life. The Business Economy and Growth during the course of the second Local Transport Plan where appropriate, to ensure that they comply with opportunities to ease congestion in TGSE offered by the Transport Innovation Fund. Plan aims to tackle these issues head on through the implementation of an integrated package of County Council standards. transport infrastructure and service proposals that will stimulate economic development by enabling 6.38 Basildon is a key priority area for sustainable regeneration, seeking to become a thriving business 6.55 Growth and development continues beyond this LTP period, and feasibility work must be undertaken during district and centre of innovation. Several major ongoing initiatives and renewal programmes are people to access key services and releasing land for local housing and development. 6.45 The County Council will use the countywide Traffic Management Strategy to maximise capacity on the A129 the second Local Transport Plan to deliver projects in LTP3 and LTP4 to support growth and regeneration. being pursued in the town, including the development of the Gardiners Lane South site and and A132, whilst tackling many of the congested junctions in Wickford, Rochford, Canvey and Benfleet. These projects in relation to the whole TGSE sub-region are outlined below, requiring a mix of revenue and regeneration. In order to mitigate some of the detrimental effects likely to occur on the transport Access to Canvey Island presents a considerable challenge that needs to be resolved and investigations will capital funding to turn concepts into deliverable projects. network, the County Council will continue to work with the District Council to ensure that future continue to take place to assess the range of transport options available to improve the quality of life for Fryerns Craylands Development land uses will minimise the need for travel and that the locations are adequately served by those people wishing to gain access to and from the island. The proposed Fryerns Craylands development in Basildon provides the sustainable transport measures. opportunity to showcase the very best of a new Sustainable Community in Delivery programme for Basildon and the Thames Gateway the Thames Gateway South Essex Growth Area. A cross-cutting project combining the opportunities given by new development to regenerate an Gardiners Lane South Other Towns and Rural Areas Proposal Funding Cost Delivery existing deprived state with high crime and very poor educational attainment. The Gardiners Lane South development is fundamental in creating a major The development provides for new housing, new educational, health, local Source £000 Body business hub for the area. The County Council is working closely with English 6.46 The Business Plan outlines that the vision for the Castle Point Borough is to provide an enhanced level of community facilities and measures to reduce crime. The redevelopment Partnerships to ensure that the commercial and residential development sustainable living by providing greater employment opportunities in Canvey, Hadleigh and Benfleet. The proposals have the potential to unlock approximately 1,000 dwellings. Major Schemes proposals for the site can be accessed by all modes of transportation. aspiration is for Castle Point to contribute to the wider vision of the sub-region through making more South Essex Rapid Transit LTP Major/RFA 85,000 ECC efficient and effective use of its brownfield sites in order to provide for the affordable housing and greater The County Council have been awarded £5.5 million through the Community A13/A130 Sadlers Farm Intersection LTP Major/ RFA 77,000 ECC The site will be accessible for walking and cycling and passenger transport employment opportunities needed both within the borough and the wider sub-region. Infrastructure Fund Bid to assist in delivering the transport schemes essential A127 and A1159 Route Management Strategy and access via the new Ghyllgrove Bus Link that will form part of the SERT to developing the site. It will provide access to key services through high- network. English Partnerships have also developed a model of the existing 6.47 Rochford District’s potential as a development area for leisure, recreation and tourism has been highlighted Major Maintenance LTP Major 22,300 ECC SBC quality public transport systems accessing directly into the development and travel movements on the road network surrounding the site. They are in both the Business Plan and the Vision for the TGSE sub-region. Given the success of the London 2012 M25 Widening junction 26 to 31 HA TPI HA Funded HA enhanced cycling and walking networks to access to jobs, health, education and retail opportunities. The new currently developing a number of scenarios investigating the amount of Olympic bid, Rochford should play a prominent part in the regeneration of the sub-region through its role Gardiners Lane South Access Improvements A132/A176/A127 Dev Dev Dev ECC development will be constructed around the latest urban design standards for sustainable development development the highway infrastructure can support with the relevant junction as a centre for leisure and recreational facilities within the Thames Gateway. The possible expansion of C2C Line Capacity 12 car platforms CIF 12,200 Network Rail providing urban squares and safe streets with traffic calming built in to keep speeds low and create an improvements. The County Council are continuing to work with English London Southend Airport of up to 3 million passengers annually will play a key strategic role for the Roscommon Way Regeneration TG CIF 24,000 ECC/Dev environment to encourage walking and cycling. Partnerships in developing a range of scenarios for the site. economy and tourism. Any airport expansion will require a Surface Access Strategy to provide a choice of Fryerns/ Craylands Regeneration Access TG CIF 5,900 ECC EP/Dev transport alternatives. A13 Passenger Transport corridor LTP/ RFA 4,000 ECC 6.32 In order to counteract some of the accessibility issues it is proposed that many of the largest 6.48 Local congestion issues have been identified in the towns of Billericay, Wickford, Canvey, Benfleet and Delivering Accessibility employers in Basildon will develop Travel Plans by 2011. There are currently five Quality Bus 6.39 Essex County Council fully supports and will contribute to any work aimed at investigating and Rayleigh and these will be addressed through the Traffic Management Strategy and a variety of scoping Partnerships (QBPs) within the Basildon RIC and by the end of the second Local Transport Plan, establishing the major infrastructure and transport services required for the appropriate expansion of studies. Additionally, seven bridges have been identified in the small towns and rural areas for structural Access to education in Thames Gateway LTP/Dev 125 ECC there will be 18 in operation within the strategy area that will enable a much enhanced level of London Southend Airport. The County Council will continue to invest in the development of the maintenance work during the second Local Transport Plan. Community Rail Partnership Station Enhancements LTP 13 ECC accessibility to the key destinations. To reinforce the County Council’s commitment to public Thames Gateway Modelling Framework to ensure that the strategic housing and employment Community Transport Interchange Pilot LTP 20 ECC transport, improvements will be sought to increase integration between bus and rail services, for allocations within Basildon are located in the correct locations with the provision of the right Public Rights of Way LTP/Dev 15 ECC example at the proposed redevelopment site of Basildon Bus Station. transport infrastructure (see TG Model Panel in Chapter 5). Planning for the Future Walking and Cycling LTP/Dev 1,296 ECC 6.33 Currently Basildon has an extensive cycle network; however there are a number of gaps that Bus and Rail Interchange Enhancements LTP/Dev 550 ECC ultimately reduce the attractiveness of using the bicycle to access the key destinations. To 6.49 Each of the key major projects arising out of the LOTS study has been evaluated using a methodology Rural Transport Hubs LTP 40 ECC address these problems the current network will be expanded in order to increase the quality of Inter-urban previously used by the South East England Regional Assembly. The importance of each project has been cross town routes and the maintenance and design of existing routes will be enhanced. judged in terms of a number of key policy drivers, including accessibility, impact on economy, social Tackling Congestion 6.40 A number of strategic highway routes are currently operating at capacity. Within the County Council’s inclusion, links to development, growth and deliverability. Driver Telematics & Incident & Parking Management LTP/Dev 280 ECC Highway Network Capacity Study, the Congestion Reference Flow for the A127 and A13 emerged at Providing Safer Crossings LTP/Dev 899 ECC Congestion and Air Quality 6.50 In addition to this, the business community in Essex, through the Essex Business Consortium, commissioned between 1.01 and 1.14 for these two strategic routes. The various traffic problems around the Sadlers Quality Bus Partnership LTP/Dev 1,473 ECC 6.34 Several of Basildon’s key routes are congested. The traffic flow and movement along particular a study designed to identify the key infrastructure priorities essential to successful economic regeneration. Farm junction (A130/A13) are a direct result of the mixture of strategic and local traffic movements, Short term congestion relief in the RICs and towns LTP/Dev 1,015 ECC corridors is hindered by a number of junction hotspots, including the junctions between: The outcome of this work has been taken into account in the prioritisation exercise. The product of the with the consequences being unreliable access to Canvey Island and the whole South Essex sub- overall evaluation is the establishment of realistic and deliverable short, medium and longer term Traffic Management Strategy LTP/Dev 1,100 ECC region. As part of the provisional second LTP programme, the County Council provided an Annex E • A132 (Nevendon Road/East Mayne) and A127; programmes. submission for the grade-separation of the strategic traffic from local movement. • A1321 (Broadmayne) and A176 (Nethermayne); Countywide Programme 6.51 The outcome of the prioritisation process has resulted in the identification of a number of flagship high Countywide schemes LTP/Dev 8,630 ECC • A127 and B148 (Dunton); 6.41 Congestion and the poor level of air quality is a major problem at many of the junctions on the priority schemes, as identified below. A number of these have also emerged in the top two categories strategic network, including Rayleigh Weir and Fairglen. The County Council will investigate and • A176, B148 and A1235 (Cranes Farm Road); resulting from the East of England Regional Assembly’s own prioritisation. address these problems through the development and implementation of the A127/A13 Route • A13 and A176 (Five Bells); and Management Strategy (RMS), in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough and Thurrock Councils. Table 6.5: Delivery Programme for Basildon and the Thames Gateway (excludes countywide funding) • A13 and A132 (Pitsea). The aim of the RMS is to deliver improvements to the A13 and A127 as an integral part of the overall sustainable transportation strategy for the sub-region, complementing and supporting 6.35 The Thames Gateway area has 11 specific sites that may emerge as Air Quality Management Areas, existing and future projects, studies and initiatives. during the course of the second Local Transport Plan. To help reduce some of Basildon’s general congestion and air quality issues the County Council will introduce a congestion management plan in the town, as part of the Traffic Management Strategy.

203a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 203b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 204 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 205 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Colchester and the Haven Gateway

206 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 202 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 202a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 202b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Chelmsford and the Heart of Essex

gateways, with a key role both in national freight distribution, and as 6.62 By the end of the second Local Transport Plan, over 25 Quality Bus Colchester and the Haven Gateway drivers of economic growth in the East of England Region. Together with Partnerships (QBPs) will be operating throughout the Haven Gateway area Ipswich, they form the largest near-sea and deep-sea container port complex to improve accessibility to the area’s key destinations. These schemes will 6.56 Colchester Borough and Tendring District have a combined population approaching in the country, in addition to the significant roll-on roll-off and passenger be supported by better bus and rail integration, following the bus 300,000 residents. Colchester is the major town and has been classified as a RIC ferry function they provide. station’s redevelopment and relocation (presently under consideration). in the Draft East of England Plan (DEEP). Other significant towns that are all East Colchester is rapidly expanding and being regenerated with the situated on the Tendring coast, an important area for tourism, include Clacton-on- 6.59 In pursuit of the regeneration of the Haven Gateway sub region, Colchester expansion of the University and the redevelopment of the Hythe Quay Sea, Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze, as well as Harwich that plays host to is destined to play a central role, absorbing much of the housing and area. Agreement has been reached with developers and Network Rail to the international port development at Bathside Bay. The area also has a large rural economic growth projected. Over the next ten years Colchester is expected lengthen the existing platforms at Hythe Station. Essex County Council hinterland, that contains many villages and small towns. to undergo extensive development with a number of large-scale have contributed to the Network Rail Study, to upgrade the signalling of regeneration projects planned. the line to increase capacity. A package of lower cost measures is A12 6.60 In terms of housing, this strategy area is likely to receive a potential programmed to be undertaken to improve the stations along the Clacton A134 A137 allocation in excess of 25,000 dwellings for the period 2001 to 2021 (of Branch line and upgrade the eastern access to Colchester. Harwich which some 17,000 have already been allocated up to 2011). The majority of Colclchesters 6.63 The cycling environment will be improved through the expansion of the this allocation, over 17,000, is to be located in and around Colchester town, A120 existing cycle network to create appropriate and quality cross-town routes A12 with the remaining 8,500 to be built in the Tendring District. Equally Tendring serving key land uses. The County Council will continue to improve the important will be the number of additional employment opportunities of A133 pedestrian network (especially within the Historic Core Zone). around 20,000 jobs. The majority of which will be focused around Colchester Frinton and Walton and the proposed port development of Bathside Bay. Congestion and Air Quality 6.61 It is recognised that the level of growth expected in the Haven Gateway, 6.64 Several of Colchester’s key radial routes are subject to severe congestion, specifically Colchester, will bring with it a number of transport opportunities especially during the peak periods. These routes include the A133 corridor and challenges. In order to unlock development and enable economic (particularly at Cymbeline Way, Colne Bank Avenue, Clinghoe Hill and Clacton on Sea growth, significant enhancements to the level of public transport provision Cowdray Avenue), A134 Station Approach, Brook Street, A1124 Lexden Road, will be required. Alongside this, innovative approaches to traffic North Station Road (northbound), A134 from Southway to Colne Causeway Strategic Route management including Park and Ride will be needed. and A1232 Ipswich Road. The efficiency of the urban network is constrained Other main roads by many of the junctions operating at or near capacity, particularly Colne Town centre Bank Junction, Greenstead Junction, Crown Interchange, Ipswich Road Colchester (Regional Interchange Centre) double-mini roundabout and the Maldon Road roundabout. Railway / Passenger and freight Accessibility 6.65 The County Council will continue to work with the Borough Council to Figure 6.3: Colchester Strategy Area 6.62 Accessibility to some of Colchester’s major employment areas, including the implement the proposals contained within the Mersea Road AQMA Action town centre, Colchester Station (for London) and Essex University, is Plan. In addition, several potential sites could emerge at Cowdray Avenue and Brook Street during the course of the second Local Transport Plan. Wider Challenges somewhat limited. Those wishing to gain access to Colchester General Hospital from some areas of the town can also experience significant To address some of these congestion and air quality issues a number of 6.57 The Haven Gateway is a sub-regional policy area in the DEEP (which also covers difficulties. measures have been identified. The A133 Action Plan, currently at the part of Suffolk), and is the subject of extensive development proposals. planning stage, seeks to manage congestion and to increase the Momentum behind the regeneration of the Haven Gateway is gathering pace with 6.63 In order to counteract these accessibility issues, a number of the larger efficiency of key junctions along this corridor. A scheme aimed at the Haven Gateway Partnership, a cross county partnership of local authorities employers in the town will be targeted to implement Travel Plans. In reducing the demand on the network is the development of two Park and and interest groups, pursuing ‘Growth Point Status’ for the sub-region. addition, the “Travel Management System”, an innovative step change in Ride sites located on the key radial routes leading to the town centre, as travel planning devised by the County Council, will be launched in 2006 at well as providing improved parking for “Park and Rail” along the Clacton 6.58 The Haven Gateway sub-region is of national and regional importance, providing a Colchester General Hospital to help people gain access to the relevant Branch Line, whilst enhancing Marks Tey as a key interchange. This strategic transport gateway for trade and tourism between the UK, Europe and the travel information they need to plan their journeys to the Hospital. scheme would be supported by a comprehensive parking policy within rest of the world. The Ports of Harwich and Felixstowe are important international the town centre.

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211 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Chelmsford and the Heart of Essex

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211 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Chelmsford and the Heart of Essex

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211 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 (Colchester, Tendring) -3 6.73 A potential air quality problem has been identified at the Marks Tey junction • A120 Braintree to A12 Improvements – consultation on route options Air Quality in Colchester and Haven Gateway Table 6.7: Annual Mean NO2 concentrations in Brook Street AQMA (µgm ) 6.68 The Mersea Road AQMA was declared in May 2001 and can be attributed between the A120 and A12 and the County Council will continue to work with have been undertaken by the Highways Agency; to congestion and poor dispersal of pollutants in a street canyon. An Air 2002 2003 2004 the HA to resolve this issue as part of the A12 and A120 scheme development • A120 Hare Green to Harwich Improvements to improve access to the Quality Action Plan was published by Colchester Borough Council in and preparation. Brook Street (site 45) 55.2 57.7 51.6 port and regeneration of the area; January 2003, which investigated the possible measures which could be Brook Street (site 66) 44.7 51.6 • A12 Widening Chelmsford to Colchester – identified as part of employed to reduce air pollution in the AQMA. Concentrations of nitrogen Brook Street (site 67) 44.7 42.8 Other Towns and rural areas London to Ipswich Multi-Modal Study (LOIS MMS); dioxide are currently measured in the AQMA using diffusion tubes and an Brook Street (site 68) 37.3 39.4 automatic monitoring station. The results of the current monitoring Brook Street (site 69) 61.8 54.8 6.74 Jaywick, in the Tendring peninsular, experiences a range of social and economic • A12 Improvements Colchester to Ipswich – identified as part of LOIS problems which are more commonly associated with inner city areas. The County MMS; and programme are shown in Table 6.6. NB: National air quality objective = 40 µgm-3 Council are committed to the regeneration of the area and improving Quality of -3 • Felixstowe to Nuneaton phase 2 – rail line gauge enhancements. Table 6.6: Annual Mean NO2 concentrations in Mersea Road AQMA (µgm ) Life through the enhancement of living standards. The total reconstruction of the Economy and Growth existing road network and the improvement of accessibility to key services via 2003 2004 public transport will be critical to the realisation of the area’s regeneration. 6.70 Colchester seeks to enhance its status as a visitor and tourist destination, Delivery programme for Colchester and the Haven Gateway Mersea Road (automatic monitor) 68.2 59.1 and to that end, proposals include a new Visual Arts Facility, new retail Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 3) 70.9 62.8 6.75 At present a multi-agency Master Plan for the area is being developed focusing Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 54) 40.2 48.6 development and conference facilities and a community sports stadium. The on both the social and economic regeneration of the area. A phased action plan Proposal Funding Cost Delivery Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 55) 55.8 52.4 anticipated high level of housing growth will not only create transport aimed at overcoming transport issues in the area will stem directly from the Source £000 Body Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 62) 44.7 37.3 issues but also provide resources with which to address these issues. Major Master Plan and will be developed alongside the long-term wider regeneration Major Schemes Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 63) 58.3 51.2 schemes likely to arise as a result of development include the Stanway remit. When the Master Plan is approved and a work programme identified, A133 Congestion and Accessibility Improvements – Colchester LTP Major 14,000 ECC -3 Western Bypass, Colchester Northern Approach Road Phase 3 (including the NB: National air quality objective = 40 µgm funding will be made available through second and third LTPs. Alongside this, Colchester Park and Ride -– Cuckoo Farm and Stanway TP Major & Dev 12,000 ECC new A12 junction), an express bus corridor, the redevelopment of the bus alternative funding opportunities are being explored not for transport but for the A12/A134 Junction, Colchester Northern Approaches Dev 20,000 ECC Dev HA station and improvement of Colchester Town rail station. regeneration of the area as a whole. A120 Braintree to A12 HA TPI 312,000 HA Felixstowe to Nuneaton Phase 2 DfT Rail 80,000 DfT Rail 6.69 The Brook Street AQMA was declared in January 2006. Concentrations of 6.76 Investment in the delivery of the Traffic Management Strategy will resolve Jaywick Regeneration LTP Major 5,000 ECC EEDA nitrogen dioxide are currently measured in the AQMA using diffusion Inter-urban localised congestion problems including some of those in Clacton-on-Sea. The tubes and additional monitoring using an automatic monitor is planned Community Rail Partnership will continue to promote and support the Delivering Accessibility 6.71 Congestion is becoming a problem on the A133 between the A120 and the Community Rail Partnership Station Enhancements LTP 150 ECC as part of the Further Assessment which is now required for this location. enhancement of the Clacton Branch, Gainsborough and Mayflower rail lines. B1033 and a Scoping Study is needed to better understand the nature of Community Transport Interchange Pilot LTP 20 ECC This assessment will identify the principal causes of the exceedences and Environmental improvements in Walton-on-the-Naze town centre will be extended Providing Safer and More Accessible Crossings LTP/Dev 46 ECC this congestion and to identify possible solutions. There is an issue of the contribution of pollutants by vehicle type. The results of the current to include both Frinton-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea town centres. Additionally, Public Rights of Way LTP/Dev 30 ECC vehicle movement between the A120 and A133 at Hare Green that affects monitoring programme are shown in Table 6.7. An Action Plan for the ten bridges have been identified for structural maintenance work during the Walking and Cycling LTP/Dev 1,087 ECC AQMA is due to be produced by mid 2007. The County Council will work travel between Clacton and Harwich and also leads to an increase in the Bus and Rail Interchange Enhancements LTP/Dev 705 ECC course of the second Local Transport Plan. Rural Transport Hubs LTP 160 ECC closely with Colchester Borough Council to identify the relevant measures number of accidents (e.g. on the A120 Harwich Road spur). which could be introduced to improve air quality in Brook Street. The 6.72 With the Secretary of State being “minded to approve” the expansion of Planning for the Future Tackling Congestion & Promoting Better Air Quality outcome of these pieces of work will be reported in the LTP Annual Bathside Bay, there is a distinct need for the County Council to work with Progress Reports and the Action pLan will be used to set an air quality Driver Telematics & Incident & Parking Management LTP/Dev 340 ECC the Highways Agency (HA) to resolve movement issues at Hare Green in 6.77 In the area, growth and development continues beyond this LTP period, and Providing Safer Crossings LTP/Dev 47 ECC target for the LTP. the context of the longer term plans to ‘dual two’ the Hare Green to feasibility work must be undertaken during the course of the second Local Quality Bus Partnership LTP/Dev 2,005 ECC Harwich section of the A120, especially as this route is an intrinsic part of Transport Plan to ensure the County Council can deliver projects in the third LTP Short term congestion relief in the RICs and towns LTP/Dev 500 ECC Traffic Management Act Enforcement LTP/Dev 300 ECC the Trans-European Network. Bathside Bay, and the consequent increase in and the fourth LTP to support growth and regeneration. These projects require a Urban Traffic Management LTP/Dev 516 ECC freight traffic, also underlines the need for the Felixstowe to Nuneaton rail mix of revenue and capital funding to turn concepts into deliverable projects. freight link. Countywide Programme Countywide schemes LTP/Dev 7,130 ECC

Table 6.8: Delivery Programme for Colchester and the Haven Gateway (excludes countywide funding)

208a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 208b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 209 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 210 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 (Colchester, Tendring) -3 6.73 A potential air quality problem has been identified at the Marks Tey junction • A120 Braintree to A12 Improvements – consultation on route options Air Quality in Colchester and Haven Gateway Table 6.7: Annual Mean NO2 concentrations in Brook Street AQMA (µgm ) 6.68 The Mersea Road AQMA was declared in May 2001 and can be attributed between the A120 and A12 and the County Council will continue to work with have been undertaken by the Highways Agency; to congestion and poor dispersal of pollutants in a street canyon. An Air 2002 2003 2004 the HA to resolve this issue as part of the A12 and A120 scheme development • A120 Hare Green to Harwich Improvements to improve access to the Quality Action Plan was published by Colchester Borough Council in and preparation. Brook Street (site 45) 55.2 57.7 51.6 port and regeneration of the area; January 2003, which investigated the possible measures which could be Brook Street (site 66) 44.7 51.6 • A12 Widening Chelmsford to Colchester – identified as part of employed to reduce air pollution in the AQMA. Concentrations of nitrogen Brook Street (site 67) 44.7 42.8 Other Towns and rural areas London to Ipswich Multi-Modal Study (LOIS MMS); dioxide are currently measured in the AQMA using diffusion tubes and an Brook Street (site 68) 37.3 39.4 automatic monitoring station. The results of the current monitoring Brook Street (site 69) 61.8 54.8 6.74 Jaywick, in the Tendring peninsular, experiences a range of social and economic • A12 Improvements Colchester to Ipswich – identified as part of LOIS problems which are more commonly associated with inner city areas. The County MMS; and programme are shown in Table 6.6. NB: National air quality objective = 40 µgm-3 Council are committed to the regeneration of the area and improving Quality of -3 • Felixstowe to Nuneaton phase 2 – rail line gauge enhancements. Table 6.6: Annual Mean NO2 concentrations in Mersea Road AQMA (µgm ) Life through the enhancement of living standards. The total reconstruction of the Economy and Growth existing road network and the improvement of accessibility to key services via 2003 2004 public transport will be critical to the realisation of the area’s regeneration. 6.70 Colchester seeks to enhance its status as a visitor and tourist destination, Delivery programme for Colchester and the Haven Gateway Mersea Road (automatic monitor) 68.2 59.1 and to that end, proposals include a new Visual Arts Facility, new retail Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 3) 70.9 62.8 6.75 At present a multi-agency Master Plan for the area is being developed focusing Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 54) 40.2 48.6 development and conference facilities and a community sports stadium. The on both the social and economic regeneration of the area. A phased action plan Proposal Funding Cost Delivery Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 55) 55.8 52.4 anticipated high level of housing growth will not only create transport aimed at overcoming transport issues in the area will stem directly from the Source £000 Body Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 62) 44.7 37.3 issues but also provide resources with which to address these issues. Major Master Plan and will be developed alongside the long-term wider regeneration Major Schemes Mersea Road (diffusion tube site 63) 58.3 51.2 schemes likely to arise as a result of development include the Stanway remit. When the Master Plan is approved and a work programme identified, A133 Congestion and Accessibility Improvements – Colchester LTP Major 14,000 ECC -3 Western Bypass, Colchester Northern Approach Road Phase 3 (including the NB: National air quality objective = 40 µgm funding will be made available through second and third LTPs. Alongside this, Colchester Park and Ride -– Cuckoo Farm and Stanway TP Major & Dev 12,000 ECC new A12 junction), an express bus corridor, the redevelopment of the bus alternative funding opportunities are being explored not for transport but for the A12/A134 Junction, Colchester Northern Approaches Dev 20,000 ECC Dev HA station and improvement of Colchester Town rail station. regeneration of the area as a whole. A120 Braintree to A12 HA TPI 312,000 HA Felixstowe to Nuneaton Phase 2 DfT Rail 80,000 DfT Rail 6.69 The Brook Street AQMA was declared in January 2006. Concentrations of 6.76 Investment in the delivery of the Traffic Management Strategy will resolve Jaywick Regeneration LTP Major 5,000 ECC EEDA nitrogen dioxide are currently measured in the AQMA using diffusion Inter-urban localised congestion problems including some of those in Clacton-on-Sea. The tubes and additional monitoring using an automatic monitor is planned Community Rail Partnership will continue to promote and support the Delivering Accessibility 6.71 Congestion is becoming a problem on the A133 between the A120 and the Community Rail Partnership Station Enhancements LTP 150 ECC as part of the Further Assessment which is now required for this location. enhancement of the Clacton Branch, Gainsborough and Mayflower rail lines. B1033 and a Scoping Study is needed to better understand the nature of Community Transport Interchange Pilot LTP 20 ECC This assessment will identify the principal causes of the exceedences and Environmental improvements in Walton-on-the-Naze town centre will be extended Providing Safer and More Accessible Crossings LTP/Dev 46 ECC this congestion and to identify possible solutions. There is an issue of the contribution of pollutants by vehicle type. The results of the current to include both Frinton-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea town centres. Additionally, Public Rights of Way LTP/Dev 30 ECC vehicle movement between the A120 and A133 at Hare Green that affects monitoring programme are shown in Table 6.7. An Action Plan for the ten bridges have been identified for structural maintenance work during the Walking and Cycling LTP/Dev 1,087 ECC AQMA is due to be produced by mid 2007. The County Council will work travel between Clacton and Harwich and also leads to an increase in the Bus and Rail Interchange Enhancements LTP/Dev 705 ECC course of the second Local Transport Plan. Rural Transport Hubs LTP 160 ECC closely with Colchester Borough Council to identify the relevant measures number of accidents (e.g. on the A120 Harwich Road spur). which could be introduced to improve air quality in Brook Street. The 6.72 With the Secretary of State being “minded to approve” the expansion of Planning for the Future Tackling Congestion & Promoting Better Air Quality outcome of these pieces of work will be reported in the LTP Annual Bathside Bay, there is a distinct need for the County Council to work with Progress Reports and the Action pLan will be used to set an air quality Driver Telematics & Incident & Parking Management LTP/Dev 340 ECC the Highways Agency (HA) to resolve movement issues at Hare Green in 6.77 In the area, growth and development continues beyond this LTP period, and Providing Safer Crossings LTP/Dev 47 ECC target for the LTP. the context of the longer term plans to ‘dual two’ the Hare Green to feasibility work must be undertaken during the course of the second Local Quality Bus Partnership LTP/Dev 2,005 ECC Harwich section of the A120, especially as this route is an intrinsic part of Transport Plan to ensure the County Council can deliver projects in the third LTP Short term congestion relief in the RICs and towns LTP/Dev 500 ECC Traffic Management Act Enforcement LTP/Dev 300 ECC the Trans-European Network. Bathside Bay, and the consequent increase in and the fourth LTP to support growth and regeneration. These projects require a Urban Traffic Management LTP/Dev 516 ECC freight traffic, also underlines the need for the Felixstowe to Nuneaton rail mix of revenue and capital funding to turn concepts into deliverable projects. freight link. Countywide Programme Countywide schemes LTP/Dev 7,130 ECC

Table 6.8: Delivery Programme for Colchester and the Haven Gateway (excludes countywide funding)

208a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 208b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 209 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 210 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Chelmsford and the Heart of Essex

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211 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 207b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Harlow and Stansted/M11 Corridor

Chelmsford (Regional Interchange Centre) 6.85 The area’s congestion problems are exacerbated at several key junctions Chelmsford and the Heart of Essex Area Strategy on the network being at or near capacity including the A1099 Highbridge Accessibility Road/Parkway junction, Army and Navy roundabout, Victoria Road/New 6.78 Chelmsford and the Heart of Essex area is the largest area strategy covering four Street, Springfield Road/High Bridge Road, Chelmer Valley Retail Park, districts (Chelmsford, Maldon, Brentwood and parts of Braintree). The area is 6.80 Chelmsford has a number of specific accessibility problems generated by Wood Street/Princes Road, A138/B1008 Broomfield Road, Boreham located south of the A120, east of the M11 and north of the A127. Within this area existing land uses and an incomplete sustainable transport network. The Interchange, A138 Valley Bridge, A138/A130, Rainsford Road and Rainsford lies the county town of Chelmsford, that has been identified in the DEEP as a RIC is home to several major employers, including Essex County Council and Lane junctions with Parkway. As a result of the high levels of congestion Regional Interchange Centre (RIC). In addition, the area also includes the towns of Anglia Ruskin University. As a result of the RIC having a number of large at the Army and Navy junction pollution levels have now exceeded Brentwood, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers and Witham, along with the employers there is a huge demand on the transport network, in particular current Government guidelines. As a direct result, the area surrounding surrounding rural areas of the Dengie Peninsula. the town’s railway station which is the busiest in the East of England, with over six million passengers per year. However the station is very well this roundabout was declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). situated next to the town’s bus station that is currently undergoing Air Quality in Chelmsford and the Heart of Essex (Chelmsford, Maldon, A131 reconstruction. These two sites will be integrated to create a modern, high Witham Brentwood, part of Braintree) A130 quality customer focused interchange during the second Local Transport Plan. In an attempt to relieve the pressure on the central station, the 6.86 The extent of the Army and Navy AQMA is shown in Figure 6.9. Exceedences of the annual mean NO objective were predicted along A1060 A12 County Council supports an examination into the concept of a potential new 2 rail station and passing loops to the north-east of the town. In addition, a these roads, which are caused by high volumes of traffic and queues at considerable number of people work in Chelmsford’s many business parks congested periods. Concentrations of NO2 are currently monitored in the area using diffusion tubes. Maldon and Broomfield Hospital, which creates pressure on the town’s major routes. Chelmlmsfordd A414 A414 6.81 At present, the cycling and walking network in the town is incomplete and Table 6.9: Annual Mean No2 concentrations at the Army and Navy AQMA, -3 restricts people from accessing many of the town’s key services by Chelmsford (µgm ) A130 sustainable means. This problem is further compounded by the insufficient South Woodham Ferrers 2002 2003 2004 A12 level of quality cycle facilities. As a result, the pedestrian and cycling environments will be improved to encourage more sustainable access to Van Diemens Road 37.9 48.7 41.2 the various destinations in the town and provide a focus on healthy living -3 NB: National air quality objective = 40 µgm Brentwood and social interaction. 6.82 In order to counteract some of Chelmsford’s accessibility issues, the County 6.87 Additional monitoring is now being carried out in the AQMA and an Air Quality Action Plan is due to be produced by mid 2007. The County Strategic Route Council will target the larger employers in the town with comprehensive Travel Council will work closely with Chelmsford Borough Council to identify the Other main roads Plan advice and formulation. The “Travel Management System” is currently being explored within Colchester General Hospital and this will be expanded relevant measures which could be introduced to improve air quality in Town centre to cater for the expansion of Broomfield Hospital and minimise the likely the AQMA. The outcome of these pieces of work will be reported in the Railway / Passenger and freight consequences of the hospital’s development. LTP Annual Progress Reports and the action plan will be used to set an air quality target for the LTP. Figure 6.4: Chelmsford Strategy Area 6.83 A number of Quality Bus Partnerships (QBPs) will be introduced throughout the Heart of Essex during the course of the second Local Transport Plan, 6.88 There are seven AQMAs in Brentwood, one of which relates to County Wider Challenges bringing the total QBPs operating in the Strategy Area to over 20 and thus Council managed roads (A128 / A1023 Wilson’s Corner). The high improving the level of accessibility. concentrations of NO2 at Wilson’s Corner are caused by queuing traffic at 6.79 By 2021, over 19,000 new dwellings are proposed to be built in the Heart of peak times and poor dispersal of pollutants. The other six AQMAs are Essex, with up to 14,000 dwellings proposed for the Chelmsford Borough alone. Congestion and Air Quality related to high traffic flows on the M25 and A12. Concentrations of NO In contrast however, the number of employment opportunities is unlikely to 2 6.84 Many of the radial routes into and out of Chelmsford are congested, are currently monitored in the area using diffusion tubes. The results are increase significantly. Consequently the level of development will place especially during the peak periods. These routes include Parkway, Baddow shown in Table 6.10. considerable additional pressure on the transportation network. The most explicit Road, Baddow bypass, Broomfield Road, Wood Street, New London Road expression of this additional pressure will be increased congestion levels on both and Princes Road, Springfield Road, Chelmer Village bypass (A138), the road and rail networks into London. Rainsford Road and Waterhouse Lane. Please fold out

216 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 212 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 212a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 212b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Harlow and Stansted/M11 Corridor

216 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 212 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 212a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 212b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Table 6.10: Annual Mean NO2 concentrations in Wilson’s Corner, Economy and Growth Other Towns and rural areas • Army and Navy Junction major alterations – long term solution to a key -3 Brentwood, AQMA (µgm ) 6.94 Due to the strategic location of Chelmsford, the town will see economic junction in the operation of the Chelmsford Highway Network; 6.100 Congestion outside of the RIC also poses a problem, for example Brentwood growth through its favourable proximity to London and the wider strategic • Beaulieu Area Rapid Transit – a medium to longer term solution to providing a 2003 2004 High Street suffers from high levels of congestion particularly during incidents on road and rail network. The County Council will continue to promote the rapid transport service from northern parts of Chelmsford into the town centre; 3 High Street 53.8 42.1 economic prosperity of the area through town centre improvements, urban the A12 when the road acts as a bypass to the A12. As a result of high levels of • Further investigation into providing a strategic link in the northern part of Café Uno, High Street 65.3 51.9 regeneration schemes, and making more use of existing employment land congestion in the High Street an AQMA has been declared at the Wilsons Corner Ongar Road (A128) 53.0 44.6 Chelmsford to link the A130 with the A131 and beyond; and where appropriate. junction. Improvements are also required in and around Brentwood and Shenfield stations to mitigate against the impact of Crossrail including the • Investigations into accommodating Chelmsford Borough Councils aspirations NB: National air quality objective = 40 µgm-3 potential for a Park and Ride site in the green belt area at Shenfield. into improving town centre vitality with expanding retail areas. Inter-urban 6.89 Further assessments have been carried out for the AQMAs which 6.101 Problems associated with congestion are also evident on the A132 corridor confirmed that the levels of nitrogen dioxide were exceeding the national 6.95 On several of the key inter-urban routes serving Chelmsford and the Heart between Wickford and South Woodham Ferrers that is exacerbated by the lack of Delivery programme for the Heart of Essex Area Strategy objective. For the Wilson’s Corner AQMA source apportionment has been of Essex, there is considerable congestion. These routes include the A12 appropriate evening and weekend public transport services to and from South carried out which identifies that although HGVs only account for about both north and south of Chelmsford; the A414 between Maldon and Woodham Ferrers. There are also localised congestion problems in Witham on Proposal Funding Cost Delivery 5% of the traffic flow they contribute about 40% of the emissions of Chelmsford and to the west of Ongar; the A132; the A130 north of the B1018, around the town centre and at the railway station, which serves as a Source £000 Body NO . An action plan is currently being prepared and the County Council is x Chelmsford and the B1019 Maldon to Hatfield Peverel. In addition there are key interchange for trips into London. Major Schemes working with the Borough Council to identify measures to reduce air a number of specific air quality problems at the A12 and M25 interchange Chelmsford Park and Ride LTP Major 9,200 ECC/Dev 6.102 Public transport is a problem in the areas surrounding Maldon, often resulting in pollution in the AQMA. and in Brentwood and Ingatestone. Chelmsford North East Bypass and Cross Valley Link LTP Major 140,000 Dev/ECC major accessibility issues for those wishing to access the town’s various services B1019 Improvements Access to Maldon LTP 9,305 ECC 6.90 The 2005 Air Quality Progress Report indicates that the national air quality 6.96 The County Council submitted a bid through the Community Infrastructure and amenities from the Dengie Peninsula and Thurstable Hundred. Maldon also Great Notley Garden Village Dualling CIF 4,800 ECC Chelmsford North East Rail Station Dev 60,000 Dev objectives are likely to be met throughout Maldon. Diffusion tube Funding Process for the Great Notley Village Bypass. The scheme was has some congestion issues on the A414, the B1018 and those adjacent monitoring shows that the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are well A138 (old A12) Chelmer Viaduct, Chelmsford HA 13,000 HA classified as a Priority 1a for the Region through the East of England junctions associated with the urgent need to link the Maldon area effectively A12 Hatfield Peverel to Witham Link HA TPI 7,000 HA below the air quality objective. Monitoring results will be used to inform Regional Assembly’s prioritisation process. This scheme would provide a with the A12/Great Eastern corridor. A12 Route Management Strategy and Major Maintenance HA TPI HA Funded HA the LTP Annual Progress Reports of any deterioration in air quality at sites dual two lane carriageway to help aid interconnectivity between M25 Widening junction 26 to 31 HA TPI HA Funded HA 6.103 Essex County Council is committed to specific measures to address congestion M25/A12 Junction 28 Improvements HA TPI 8,200 HA as a result of emissions from road traffic. Chelmsford, Stansted, North Essex and the rest of the East of England and air quality improvements in Brentwood, such as the High Street A12 Widening M25 to Chelmsford HA TPI 133,000 HA Region. A12 Widening Chelmsford to Colchester HA TPI 438,000 HA 6.91 The London to Ipswich Multi Modal Study (LOIS) proposed that there improvement scheme. Continued funding of Dengie VillageLink and the should be a strategic link from the A130 to the recently opened A120. A120 Braintree to A12 HA TPI 312,000 HA 6.97 The County Council will continue to lobby and support the Highway Blackwater (Maldon and Witham) link to enable people to access to Maldon, Crossrail 10,000,000 CLRL Ltd Essex County Council will therefore promote and develop a scheme for a Agency’s plans for widening the A12 to ‘dual three’ along the existing Chelmsford and beyond. The Community Rail Partnership will continue to north-eastern bypass, possibly in association with additional housing in alignment, between the M25 and Colchester. Construction on these schemes encourage the use of rail to aid accessibility and reduce the demand placed on Delivering Accessibility Community Rail Partnership Station Enhancements LTP 63 ECC this sector of Chelmsford, to enhance the strategic inter-urban links with is unlikely to commence until 2013; however, the County Council urges the the area’s highway network. This will be aided by the renewed focus on the Braintree and beyond. This scheme would need to include a cross-valley Community Transport Interchange Pilot LTP 520 ECC HA to consider these schemes for delivery before 2013 if timescales permit. promotion of the Crouch Valley Community Rail Partnership. Providing Safer and More Accessible Crossings LTP/Dev 5 ECC strategic link to Broomfield Hospital in order to facilitate a reduction in The County Council is working with the HA to explore the use of telematics, Public Rights of Way LTP/Dev 350 ECC 6.104 In terms of maintenance of bridges and structures there are a number within the congestion in the Broomfield corridor. Both of these schemes will seek real time information and HGV controls to help manage the existing routes Walking and Cycling LTP/Dev 647 ECC significant private sector funding. Heart of Essex which will be addressed during the second LTP. Bus and Rail Interchange Enhancements LTP/Dev 360 ECC better. To improve access to the strategic highway network, improvements Rural Transport Hubs LTP 80 ECC 6.92 A congestion plan for the town will be fully developed on all key radial to the B1019 at Hatfield Peverel will be implemented to complement the routes and town centre distributor roads to ensure that the best possible Witham to Hatfield Peverel link being planned by the HA. In developing the Planning for the Future Tackling Congestion Management of strategic walking & cycling conflicts LTP/Dev 385 ECC use is gained from the existing assets. This work will include an urgent plans to widen the A12, consideration should be given to the provision of 6.105 To realise the longer term strategy further investigative work must be carried out Providing Safer Crossings LTP/Dev 131 ECC revision to the one-way system in Chelmsford town centre, and minor direct access from the Tiptree area and, in particular, Inworth Road. Quality Bus Partnership LTP/Dev 3,272 ECC throughout the second Local Transport Plan period, to deliver key projects improvements to existing junctions and corridors. Short term congestion relief in the RICs and towns LTP/Dev 1,490 ECC 6.98 Journey times will continue to be monitored on the major inter-urban road during the third and fourth LTP to support growth and regeneration. These 6.93 In terms of the management of demand, Park and Ride will be provided network that passes through the Heart of Essex, such as the A130, A131, projects will require a mix of revenue and capital funding to ensure the Countywide Programme at three key sites on the key radial routes into the town centre to A12 and A414, as part of the Traffic Management Strategy. With regard to appropriate balance between providing new infrastructure and making the best Countywide schemes LTP/Dev 7,130 ECC improve town centre congestion issues. Additionally, real time information specific public transport schemes within the Heart of Essex, the number of use of existing infrastructure. Some of the schemes which the County Council will be provided to assist vehicular movements in choosing the most inter-urban Quality Bus Routes will be increased to include Chelmsford to will be investigating during the course of the second Local Transport Plan in the Table 6.11: Delivery Programme for Chelmsford and the Heart of Essex (excludes countywide appropriate routes. Harlow, Chelmsford to Basildon and Chelmsford to Maldon. Heart of Essex strategy area include: expenditure) 6.99 The potential impacts of the Crossrail scheme need to be assessed, with particular focus on the likely consequences for Shenfield Station and access thereto.

213a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 213b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 214 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 215 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Table 6.10: Annual Mean NO2 concentrations in Wilson’s Corner, Economy and Growth Other Towns and rural areas • Army and Navy Junction major alterations – long term solution to a key -3 Brentwood, AQMA (µgm ) 6.94 Due to the strategic location of Chelmsford, the town will see economic junction in the operation of the Chelmsford Highway Network; 6.100 Congestion outside of the RIC also poses a problem, for example Brentwood growth through its favourable proximity to London and the wider strategic • Beaulieu Area Rapid Transit – a medium to longer term solution to providing a 2003 2004 High Street suffers from high levels of congestion particularly during incidents on road and rail network. The County Council will continue to promote the rapid transport service from northern parts of Chelmsford into the town centre; 3 High Street 53.8 42.1 economic prosperity of the area through town centre improvements, urban the A12 when the road acts as a bypass to the A12. As a result of high levels of • Further investigation into providing a strategic link in the northern part of Café Uno, High Street 65.3 51.9 regeneration schemes, and making more use of existing employment land congestion in the High Street an AQMA has been declared at the Wilsons Corner Ongar Road (A128) 53.0 44.6 Chelmsford to link the A130 with the A131 and beyond; and where appropriate. junction. Improvements are also required in and around Brentwood and Shenfield stations to mitigate against the impact of Crossrail including the • Investigations into accommodating Chelmsford Borough Councils aspirations NB: National air quality objective = 40 µgm-3 potential for a Park and Ride site in the green belt area at Shenfield. into improving town centre vitality with expanding retail areas. Inter-urban 6.89 Further assessments have been carried out for the AQMAs which 6.101 Problems associated with congestion are also evident on the A132 corridor confirmed that the levels of nitrogen dioxide were exceeding the national 6.95 On several of the key inter-urban routes serving Chelmsford and the Heart between Wickford and South Woodham Ferrers that is exacerbated by the lack of Delivery programme for the Heart of Essex Area Strategy objective. For the Wilson’s Corner AQMA source apportionment has been of Essex, there is considerable congestion. These routes include the A12 appropriate evening and weekend public transport services to and from South carried out which identifies that although HGVs only account for about both north and south of Chelmsford; the A414 between Maldon and Woodham Ferrers. There are also localised congestion problems in Witham on Proposal Funding Cost Delivery 5% of the traffic flow they contribute about 40% of the emissions of Chelmsford and to the west of Ongar; the A132; the A130 north of the B1018, around the town centre and at the railway station, which serves as a Source £000 Body NO . An action plan is currently being prepared and the County Council is x Chelmsford and the B1019 Maldon to Hatfield Peverel. In addition there are key interchange for trips into London. Major Schemes working with the Borough Council to identify measures to reduce air a number of specific air quality problems at the A12 and M25 interchange Chelmsford Park and Ride LTP Major 9,200 ECC/Dev 6.102 Public transport is a problem in the areas surrounding Maldon, often resulting in pollution in the AQMA. and in Brentwood and Ingatestone. Chelmsford North East Bypass and Cross Valley Link LTP Major 140,000 Dev/ECC major accessibility issues for those wishing to access the town’s various services B1019 Improvements Access to Maldon LTP 9,305 ECC 6.90 The 2005 Air Quality Progress Report indicates that the national air quality 6.96 The County Council submitted a bid through the Community Infrastructure and amenities from the Dengie Peninsula and Thurstable Hundred. Maldon also Great Notley Garden Village Dualling CIF 4,800 ECC Chelmsford North East Rail Station Dev 60,000 Dev objectives are likely to be met throughout Maldon. Diffusion tube Funding Process for the Great Notley Village Bypass. The scheme was has some congestion issues on the A414, the B1018 and those adjacent monitoring shows that the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are well A138 (old A12) Chelmer Viaduct, Chelmsford HA 13,000 HA classified as a Priority 1a for the Region through the East of England junctions associated with the urgent need to link the Maldon area effectively A12 Hatfield Peverel to Witham Link HA TPI 7,000 HA below the air quality objective. Monitoring results will be used to inform Regional Assembly’s prioritisation process. This scheme would provide a with the A12/Great Eastern corridor. A12 Route Management Strategy and Major Maintenance HA TPI HA Funded HA the LTP Annual Progress Reports of any deterioration in air quality at sites dual two lane carriageway to help aid interconnectivity between M25 Widening junction 26 to 31 HA TPI HA Funded HA 6.103 Essex County Council is committed to specific measures to address congestion M25/A12 Junction 28 Improvements HA TPI 8,200 HA as a result of emissions from road traffic. Chelmsford, Stansted, North Essex and the rest of the East of England and air quality improvements in Brentwood, such as the High Street A12 Widening M25 to Chelmsford HA TPI 133,000 HA Region. A12 Widening Chelmsford to Colchester HA TPI 438,000 HA 6.91 The London to Ipswich Multi Modal Study (LOIS) proposed that there improvement scheme. Continued funding of Dengie VillageLink and the should be a strategic link from the A130 to the recently opened A120. A120 Braintree to A12 HA TPI 312,000 HA 6.97 The County Council will continue to lobby and support the Highway Blackwater (Maldon and Witham) link to enable people to access to Maldon, Crossrail 10,000,000 CLRL Ltd Essex County Council will therefore promote and develop a scheme for a Agency’s plans for widening the A12 to ‘dual three’ along the existing Chelmsford and beyond. The Community Rail Partnership will continue to north-eastern bypass, possibly in association with additional housing in alignment, between the M25 and Colchester. Construction on these schemes encourage the use of rail to aid accessibility and reduce the demand placed on Delivering Accessibility Community Rail Partnership Station Enhancements LTP 63 ECC this sector of Chelmsford, to enhance the strategic inter-urban links with is unlikely to commence until 2013; however, the County Council urges the the area’s highway network. This will be aided by the renewed focus on the Braintree and beyond. This scheme would need to include a cross-valley Community Transport Interchange Pilot LTP 520 ECC HA to consider these schemes for delivery before 2013 if timescales permit. promotion of the Crouch Valley Community Rail Partnership. Providing Safer and More Accessible Crossings LTP/Dev 5 ECC strategic link to Broomfield Hospital in order to facilitate a reduction in The County Council is working with the HA to explore the use of telematics, Public Rights of Way LTP/Dev 350 ECC 6.104 In terms of maintenance of bridges and structures there are a number within the congestion in the Broomfield corridor. Both of these schemes will seek real time information and HGV controls to help manage the existing routes Walking and Cycling LTP/Dev 647 ECC significant private sector funding. Heart of Essex which will be addressed during the second LTP. Bus and Rail Interchange Enhancements LTP/Dev 360 ECC better. To improve access to the strategic highway network, improvements Rural Transport Hubs LTP 80 ECC 6.92 A congestion plan for the town will be fully developed on all key radial to the B1019 at Hatfield Peverel will be implemented to complement the routes and town centre distributor roads to ensure that the best possible Witham to Hatfield Peverel link being planned by the HA. In developing the Planning for the Future Tackling Congestion Management of strategic walking & cycling conflicts LTP/Dev 385 ECC use is gained from the existing assets. This work will include an urgent plans to widen the A12, consideration should be given to the provision of 6.105 To realise the longer term strategy further investigative work must be carried out Providing Safer Crossings LTP/Dev 131 ECC revision to the one-way system in Chelmsford town centre, and minor direct access from the Tiptree area and, in particular, Inworth Road. Quality Bus Partnership LTP/Dev 3,272 ECC throughout the second Local Transport Plan period, to deliver key projects improvements to existing junctions and corridors. Short term congestion relief in the RICs and towns LTP/Dev 1,490 ECC 6.98 Journey times will continue to be monitored on the major inter-urban road during the third and fourth LTP to support growth and regeneration. These 6.93 In terms of the management of demand, Park and Ride will be provided network that passes through the Heart of Essex, such as the A130, A131, projects will require a mix of revenue and capital funding to ensure the Countywide Programme at three key sites on the key radial routes into the town centre to A12 and A414, as part of the Traffic Management Strategy. With regard to appropriate balance between providing new infrastructure and making the best Countywide schemes LTP/Dev 7,130 ECC improve town centre congestion issues. Additionally, real time information specific public transport schemes within the Heart of Essex, the number of use of existing infrastructure. Some of the schemes which the County Council will be provided to assist vehicular movements in choosing the most inter-urban Quality Bus Routes will be increased to include Chelmsford to will be investigating during the course of the second Local Transport Plan in the Table 6.11: Delivery Programme for Chelmsford and the Heart of Essex (excludes countywide appropriate routes. Harlow, Chelmsford to Basildon and Chelmsford to Maldon. Heart of Essex strategy area include: expenditure) 6.99 The potential impacts of the Crossrail scheme need to be assessed, with particular focus on the likely consequences for Shenfield Station and access thereto.

213a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 213b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 214 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 215 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Harlow and Stansted/M11 Corridor

216 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 212 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 212a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 212b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Braintree and the North of Essex

Harlow and Stansted/M11 Corridor Wider Challenges Harlow (Regional Interchange Centre) 6.107 By 2021, a significant number of dwellings will be built in the Harlow and Accessibility 6.106 This strategy area contains some 250,000 residents, with Harlow and Stansted Stansted/M11 corridor, a large proportion of which have been allocated for Airport dominating the sub-region in terms of strategic movements. Both have the Harlow urban area and neighbouring Hertfordshire. 6.112 The major employment opportunities located in Harlow are the Pinnacles, Nortel and along Edinburgh Way. There is high demand for movement to been identified as RICs in the DEEP. The area contains many smaller settlements, 6.108 Peak period traffic congestion is already evident throughout the strategy and from Stansted Airport as this provides the area with numerous including Saffron Walden, Stansted Mountfitchet, Epping, Loughton and Waltham area. Recent studies observed certain roads carrying traffic flows in excess employment opportunities. Regarding access to health services, the major Abbey. The area has a diverse character that ranges from the ancient woodland of of their operational capacity, including the M25, the A121 Woodridden Hill hospital serving the people of Harlow and the surrounding area is Epping Forest and the picturesque towns and villages of Uttlesford to the busy north of Epping Forest, the B194 Crooked Mile north of Waltham Abbey, the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Further educational opportunities are activity of Stansted Airport and the Harlow urban area. A414 through Harlow and West of Ongar to North Weald, the A113 London provided at Harlow College and access to these premises is vital to Road and Ongar Road, the B1383 through Stansted Mountfitchet, the A1168 increase learning opportunities. Saffron Walden Chigwell Lane at Loughton and the A1060 east of Hatfield Heath. 6.113 At present, the existing walking and cycling networks are extensive but 6.109 Harlow is subject to ongoing major development including the expansion there are gaps in the network and, in some specific areas of the town, of the hospital and the town centre’s retail area, the redevelopment of the environment does not encourage usage. The County Council will several industrial sites and large housing developments to the north and maintain and enhance the quality of infrastructure to form a viable and east. attractive choice. These improvements will be aided by the development 6.110 It is possible that inward investment related to the potential airport of a significant number of Travel Plans for the major employers in Harlow, expansion can be attracted to the Harlow area to help balance the planned as they will offer an alternative means of accessing their place of work. increase in housing. The location of Stansted Airport is such that any Stansted Airport 6.114 17 Quality Bus Partnerships (QBPs) will be introduced in the Harlow and expansion will focus transport impacts on Essex and nearby areas of M11/Stansted Corridor during the course of the second Local Transport Hertfordshire. The County Council will continue to work in close partnership Plan bringing the total in service to approximately 25 for the area, which with Hertfordshire County Council and the District Councils of Uttlesford will improve the accessibility to essential services. The quality and and East Hertfordshire to examine the transport implications of any airport reliability of these services will be increased in the long term by the A120 expansion. This will include the joint commissioning of specialised provision of a dedicated high quality passenger transport link from consultants to examine the suite of transport models being developed by Epping to the north of Harlow to serve the DEEP housing proposals at BAA plc to support their expansion plans. North Weald and to the north of Harlow. People will also be encouraged M11 6.111 The DEEP proposes major development and transport improvement in the to use the bus network through the maintenance of a quality Harlow Harlow area that will directly affect both Essex and Hertfordshire. The scale environment around the new bus stations and bus and rail interchange. of these proposals combined with the need to plan the regeneration of the Congestion and Air Quality Harlow area has led to the establishment of the Harlow Area Working Party (HAWP) that comprises both County and District officers (planning and 6.115 Peak period traffic congestion regularly occurs on the A414 and other transportation) from Essex and Hertfordshire along with representatives major routes in Harlow, making access to the Pinnacles employment area A414 from Government Office for the East of England (GO-East) and East of particularly difficult during peak periods. This congestion causes traffic to England Regional Assembly (EERA). Transportation issues in the area have divert onto less suitable rural alternatives such as the B181 at Roydon been examined by a HAWP sub-group which has overseen the development and routes through Old Harlow and Potter Street. Epping Strategic Route and use of a strategic transport model for the Harlow area. The results of Other main roads 6.116 Parking management in Harlow is hampered by the town centre’s off- this work were used to inform debate at the DEEP Examination in Public. street public car parks not being within Local Authority control. Relatively Town centre This work will need to continue into the future to identify a detailed inexpensive town centre car parks and the provision of parking by the sustainable transport strategy for the Harlow area that accommodates the town’s major employers does little to encourage the use of sustainable M25 Railway / Passenger and freight impact of the planned development. Motorway transport modes.

Figure 6.5: Harlow Strategy Area Please fold out

221 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Braintree and the North of Essex

Figure 6.5: Harlow Strategy Area Please fold out

221 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Braintree and the North of Essex

Figure 6.5: Harlow Strategy Area Please fold out

221 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 6.117 Major congestion measures will be focused on the two A414 links Inter-urban 6.128 No formal Air Quality Management Areas have been declared but concerns have Delivery programme for Harlow and the Stansted/M11 corridor providing access to the town. The air quality concerns along the A414 will been identified in Epping High Street and the A121 south of Waltham Abbey, and 6.122 The infrastructure impact of the DEEP and expansion at Stansted Airport is be tackled by congestion management schemes, corridor improvements areas in Saffron Walden. The County Council will investigate solutions, alongside Proposal Funding Cost Delivery and the Traffic Management Strategy. The provision of an A414 and M11 still being investigated. The County Council believe the M11 will need to be the appropriate District Council, to address these air quality concerns. Source £000 Body link road to remove A414 through-traffic will continue to be investigated widened north of Junction 8; and major infrastructure will be required in 6.129 22 bridges have been identified in the small towns and rural areas for structural Major Schemes in association with the housing proposals contained within the DEEP. the Harlow area including improvement of the M11 Junction 7, an A414 M11 Junction 7 – congestion improvements LTP HA 50,000 ECC HA bypass and dedicated quality Passenger Transport corridors. The second maintenance work during the life of the second Local Transport Plan. M11 Route Management Strategy HA TPI HA Funded HA 6.118 Other traffic management measures will be focused elsewhere in the M25 Widening junction 26 to 31 HA TPI HA Funded HA Local Transport Plan period will be used to identify the infrastructure that Planning for the Future town, aimed at smoothing traffic flow via corridor improvement schemes; will be needed to support major development and be implemented during Delivering Accessibility and encouraging people making short car journeys in the town to switch the third LTP and beyond. It is envisaged that considerable spending on 6.130 In this area, growth and development continues beyond this LTP period, and feasibility work must be undertaken during the course of the second Local Community Transport Interchange Pilot LTP 500 ECC to more sustainable modes. In addition, there may also be the possibility rail links between London and Stansted Airport would be required if Providing Safer and More Accessible Crossings LTP/Dev 14 ECC of exploring a freight interchange centre that could benefit Stansted permission for full use of the existing runway were to be granted, let alone Transport Plan to deliver projects in future LTPs to support growth and Public Rights of Way LTP/Dev 739 ECC Airport. an additional runway. regeneration. These projects require a mix of revenue and capital funding to turn Walking and Cycling LTP/Dev 1,205 ECC concepts into deliverable projects. Bus and Rail Interchange Enhancements LTP/Dev 835 ECC Air Quality in Harlow and Stansted / M11 Corridor (Harlow, Epping Forest, 6.123 The Essex Traffic Management Strategy aims to address the congestion at Rural Transport Hubs LTP 200 ECC part of Uttlesford) Junction 7 of the M11 and investigate capacity problems on the A414 • A414 and M11 Link Harlow to support housing growth, regeneration of the town, and provide strategic access to Stansted Tackling Congestion 6.119 There are currently no formal Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) between North Weald and Ongar, Epping High Street, Chigwell Lane, Driver Telematics & Incident & Parking Management LTP/Dev 350 ECC declared in this area but concern has been identified adjacent to the M11 Loughton High Road and other problem junctions in Waltham Abbey, • A414 Aukingford Gardens to the Talbot Improvement – main east west link Providing Safer Crossings LTP/Dev 1,495 ECC Chigwell, Loughton, Epping and Saffron Walden. between two growing regional interchange centres Quality Bus Partnership LTP/Dev 2,122 ECC south of Harlow, Stansted Airport and Saffron Walden. The results of Short term congestion relief in the RICs and towns LTP/Dev 500 ECC monitoring reported in the 2005 Air Quality Progress Report for Uttlesford 6.124 24 new and improved inter-urban Quality Bus Partnerships and Corridors • Harlow Area Rapid Transit – a medium to longer term solution to providing a Countywide Programme indicate that high concentrations of NO2 have been measured in Saffron will be established during the second Local Transport Plan period, rapid transport service from the town’s hinterlands to the town centre Walden, which may cause an exceedence of the national air quality Countywide schemes LTP/Dev 7,130 ECC including Quality Coach services to Stansted Airport. • Epping-North Weald-Harlow Public Transport Spine to link together major objective. As yet, the level is not significant enough to be declared an development areas with Harlow, with potential for Park and Ride services for AQMA. 6.125 The Central Line acts as a major route into the capital and this creates Table 6.13: Delivery Programme for Harlow and the Stansted/M11 corridor (excludes parking problems at various stations within the Strategy area. An the town and Stansted Airport countywide funding) Table 6.12: Annual Mean NO2 concentrations at selected sites in -3 investigation is planned to look at the impacts these issues have on the • Improved road access to rapidly expanding Stansted Airport, including further Uttlesford (µgm ) efficiency of each station, with the aim of reducing the effect of the improvements to the A120, (east and west of the M11) and to the M11 commuter traffic. As part of this scheme, the County Council will improve 2001 2002 2003 2004 • West Anglia Main Line Enhancements support the development in the corridor bus links to these stations. and serve the rapidly expanding Stansted Airport Burton End, Stansted 44 39 38.4 42.3 Thaxted Road, Saffron Walden 41 40 39.1 47.5 Other Towns and rural areas YHA, Saffron Walden 42 42 38.1 44.0 6.126 Localised traffic congestion is experienced throughout the strategy area in High Street, Saffron Walden 45 48 40.2 40.9 places such as Epping High Street, Loughton High Road and at problem NB: National air quality objective = 40 µgm-3 junctions in Saffron Walden, Chigwell and Waltham Abbey. Concerns have been raised about the amount of traffic that currently passes through Safety Epping Forest and the resulting impact on the highly sensitive local 6.120 Speed reduction measures will be focused on the residential areas of environment; and the County Council is developing a local transport Harlow. The Harlow STEPS programme (Safety, Traffic, Environmental and strategy to address these issues. Parking Solutions) responds to extensive public consultations by developing integrated local improvement packages such as local accident 6.127 Measures to address problems being experienced in Epping Forest include reduction schemes. plans to reduce congestion and rat-running, and improve safety and accessibility to key services. The programme involves promoting Economy and Growth recreational opportunities in the forest and studying the impact of major 6.121 The Essex area of the Stansted/M11 sub-region is set to see projected job residential developments. growth of over 30,000 up to 2021, according to DEEP. The majority of employment growth will be seen in the regeneration of the industrial areas and town centre of Harlow and within Stansted Airport.

218a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 218b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 219 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 220 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 6.117 Major congestion measures will be focused on the two A414 links Inter-urban 6.128 No formal Air Quality Management Areas have been declared but concerns have Delivery programme for Harlow and the Stansted/M11 corridor providing access to the town. The air quality concerns along the A414 will been identified in Epping High Street and the A121 south of Waltham Abbey, and 6.122 The infrastructure impact of the DEEP and expansion at Stansted Airport is be tackled by congestion management schemes, corridor improvements areas in Saffron Walden. The County Council will investigate solutions, alongside Proposal Funding Cost Delivery and the Traffic Management Strategy. The provision of an A414 and M11 still being investigated. The County Council believe the M11 will need to be the appropriate District Council, to address these air quality concerns. Source £000 Body link road to remove A414 through-traffic will continue to be investigated widened north of Junction 8; and major infrastructure will be required in 6.129 22 bridges have been identified in the small towns and rural areas for structural Major Schemes in association with the housing proposals contained within the DEEP. the Harlow area including improvement of the M11 Junction 7, an A414 M11 Junction 7 – congestion improvements LTP HA 50,000 ECC HA bypass and dedicated quality Passenger Transport corridors. The second maintenance work during the life of the second Local Transport Plan. M11 Route Management Strategy HA TPI HA Funded HA 6.118 Other traffic management measures will be focused elsewhere in the M25 Widening junction 26 to 31 HA TPI HA Funded HA Local Transport Plan period will be used to identify the infrastructure that Planning for the Future town, aimed at smoothing traffic flow via corridor improvement schemes; will be needed to support major development and be implemented during Delivering Accessibility and encouraging people making short car journeys in the town to switch the third LTP and beyond. It is envisaged that considerable spending on 6.130 In this area, growth and development continues beyond this LTP period, and feasibility work must be undertaken during the course of the second Local Community Transport Interchange Pilot LTP 500 ECC to more sustainable modes. In addition, there may also be the possibility rail links between London and Stansted Airport would be required if Providing Safer and More Accessible Crossings LTP/Dev 14 ECC of exploring a freight interchange centre that could benefit Stansted permission for full use of the existing runway were to be granted, let alone Transport Plan to deliver projects in future LTPs to support growth and Public Rights of Way LTP/Dev 739 ECC Airport. an additional runway. regeneration. These projects require a mix of revenue and capital funding to turn Walking and Cycling LTP/Dev 1,205 ECC concepts into deliverable projects. Bus and Rail Interchange Enhancements LTP/Dev 835 ECC Air Quality in Harlow and Stansted / M11 Corridor (Harlow, Epping Forest, 6.123 The Essex Traffic Management Strategy aims to address the congestion at Rural Transport Hubs LTP 200 ECC part of Uttlesford) Junction 7 of the M11 and investigate capacity problems on the A414 • A414 and M11 Link Harlow to support housing growth, regeneration of the town, and provide strategic access to Stansted Tackling Congestion 6.119 There are currently no formal Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) between North Weald and Ongar, Epping High Street, Chigwell Lane, Driver Telematics & Incident & Parking Management LTP/Dev 350 ECC declared in this area but concern has been identified adjacent to the M11 Loughton High Road and other problem junctions in Waltham Abbey, • A414 Aukingford Gardens to the Talbot Improvement – main east west link Providing Safer Crossings LTP/Dev 1,495 ECC Chigwell, Loughton, Epping and Saffron Walden. between two growing regional interchange centres Quality Bus Partnership LTP/Dev 2,122 ECC south of Harlow, Stansted Airport and Saffron Walden. The results of Short term congestion relief in the RICs and towns LTP/Dev 500 ECC monitoring reported in the 2005 Air Quality Progress Report for Uttlesford 6.124 24 new and improved inter-urban Quality Bus Partnerships and Corridors • Harlow Area Rapid Transit – a medium to longer term solution to providing a Countywide Programme indicate that high concentrations of NO2 have been measured in Saffron will be established during the second Local Transport Plan period, rapid transport service from the town’s hinterlands to the town centre Walden, which may cause an exceedence of the national air quality Countywide schemes LTP/Dev 7,130 ECC including Quality Coach services to Stansted Airport. • Epping-North Weald-Harlow Public Transport Spine to link together major objective. As yet, the level is not significant enough to be declared an development areas with Harlow, with potential for Park and Ride services for AQMA. 6.125 The Central Line acts as a major route into the capital and this creates Table 6.13: Delivery Programme for Harlow and the Stansted/M11 corridor (excludes parking problems at various stations within the Strategy area. An the town and Stansted Airport countywide funding) Table 6.12: Annual Mean NO2 concentrations at selected sites in -3 investigation is planned to look at the impacts these issues have on the • Improved road access to rapidly expanding Stansted Airport, including further Uttlesford (µgm ) efficiency of each station, with the aim of reducing the effect of the improvements to the A120, (east and west of the M11) and to the M11 commuter traffic. As part of this scheme, the County Council will improve 2001 2002 2003 2004 • West Anglia Main Line Enhancements support the development in the corridor bus links to these stations. and serve the rapidly expanding Stansted Airport Burton End, Stansted 44 39 38.4 42.3 Thaxted Road, Saffron Walden 41 40 39.1 47.5 Other Towns and rural areas YHA, Saffron Walden 42 42 38.1 44.0 6.126 Localised traffic congestion is experienced throughout the strategy area in High Street, Saffron Walden 45 48 40.2 40.9 places such as Epping High Street, Loughton High Road and at problem NB: National air quality objective = 40 µgm-3 junctions in Saffron Walden, Chigwell and Waltham Abbey. Concerns have been raised about the amount of traffic that currently passes through Safety Epping Forest and the resulting impact on the highly sensitive local 6.120 Speed reduction measures will be focused on the residential areas of environment; and the County Council is developing a local transport Harlow. The Harlow STEPS programme (Safety, Traffic, Environmental and strategy to address these issues. Parking Solutions) responds to extensive public consultations by developing integrated local improvement packages such as local accident 6.127 Measures to address problems being experienced in Epping Forest include reduction schemes. plans to reduce congestion and rat-running, and improve safety and accessibility to key services. The programme involves promoting Economy and Growth recreational opportunities in the forest and studying the impact of major 6.121 The Essex area of the Stansted/M11 sub-region is set to see projected job residential developments. growth of over 30,000 up to 2021, according to DEEP. The majority of employment growth will be seen in the regeneration of the industrial areas and town centre of Harlow and within Stansted Airport.

218a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 218b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 219 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 220 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Braintree and the North of Essex

Figure 6.5: Harlow Strategy Area Please fold out

221 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 217b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Delivery and Value for Money

Chapter 7 Braintree and the North of Essex Wider Challenges Congestion The Delivery Programme 6.132 The DEEP shows a potential housing provision of 7,700 for Braintree 6.136 Heavy traffic volumes cause congestion during the peak hours at several 6.131 The North of Essex strategy area comprises parts of Braintree and Uttlesford District (up to 2021). Uttlesford District has an allocation of 8,000 new of Braintree’s key junctions in the town centre and on the A120, such as Districts, with the A120 roughly defining the southern boundary of the strategy homes. This will result in an increased demand for additional transport Galleys Corner and Marks Farm roundabouts. The County Council is Realising the Essex Vision area. The area has a population of approximately 110,000, with the majority living capacity particularly on the A120 between Braintree and the A12 at Marks currently engaged in improving Galleys Corner with pre-signals, video in the town of Braintree. There are two further significant yet smaller towns of Tey (currently being investigated by the HA). Capacity improvements are detection and Variable Message Signs to give priority to the strategic likely to be required on the two branch lines to Braintree and Sudbury. movement on the A120. 7.1 A robust and comprehensive delivery plan is essential to achieve the second Great Dunmow and Halstead, in addition to a number of villages including Sible Hedingham, Finchingfield, Thaxted, Stebbing, Rayne, High Garrett and Coggeshall. LTP’s vision, objectives and ensure there are improvements in the Quality of Life 6.133 As the North of Essex areas cover mainly the rural hinterlands of Uttlesford Air Quality in Braintree and North of Essex (part of Braintree and part of The area is primarily rural in character and therefore poses numerous unique for the people of Essex. and Braintree there are likely to be several additional problems and Uttlesford) challenges compared to the other four areas. measures from those addressed previously. For example, the dispersed 7.2 The second Local Transport Plan is comprehensive and as set out in Chapter 5 6.137 The 2005 Air Quality Progress Report for Braintree indicates that the nature of the settlement patterns and low population density in rural parts includes smarter choices, demand management, management of the asset (the national air quality objectives are likely to be met throughout the District. of North Essex, make it difficult to operate cost-effective conventional infrastructure and its use) and engineering solutions. These initiatives will deliver Diffusion tube and automatic monitoring shows that the concentrations of public transport. This area strategy highlights the specific issues related to similar outcomes to improve the operational efficiency and safety of the network A107 nitrogen dioxide are well below the air quality objective. Monitoring Braintree, the inter-urban movements, and those challenges and measures whilst giving access to services that the public desire. The precise nature of the A131 results will be used to inform the LTP Annual Progress Reports of any that are likely to affect the numerous smaller towns and rural settlements interventions necessary have been determined, categorised and prioritised deterioration in air quality at sites as a result of emissions from road within North Essex. through the Essex Performance Management Framework. traffic.

7.3 The funding available from a range of sources (nationally allocated, locally Halstead B184 Braintree (Town Centre) Economy and Growth A1017 identified and from the private sector) must be managed and targeted to achieve A1124 6.138 The number of dwellings in Braintree has increased dramatically over best value and deliver transport improvements throughout the County. The Accessibility recent years, these new dwellings, along with the development of Notley programmes require a mix of capital and revenue funding and joint working with 6.134 The major employment opportunities in Braintree are provided at the Business Park and the refurbishment of the town square will bring other agencies to reinforce changes in travel behaviour. Braintree Springwood Industrial Estate and at Braintree Freeport. Accessibility greater economic prosperity to the area. Although many of the residents will commute out of the North Essex area, essential goods and services 7.4 Essex faces huge future challenges as an international gateway and the proposed A120 problems are evident when trying to gain access to and from the town major housing and employment growth, along with the expansion of Stansted centre and its associated services, due to the lack of public transport are still required. Future expansion at Stansted Airport will bring Airport, London Gateway and Haven Gateway ports. These will however, generate options. These problems are further exacerbated by an insufficient prosperity to the area with the associated businesses. transport opportunities and provide economic growth. Prioritised work Strategic Route provision of pedestrian and cycle facilities and disabled parking throughout A130 programmes have been developed to address the problems arising from existing Other main roads the town. Inter-urban developments and to cater for the demands from new growth. Town centre 6.135 To improve the accessibility within the town, a new pedestrian and cycle 6.139 Most of the inter-urban roads passing through rural areas have either Railway / Passenger and freight bridge is planned at Freeport Station and dropped kerbs, pedestrian reached or are nearing capacity. Main roads such as the A120, A131, A1017 Value for Money – Integrated Transport and Structural Maintenance crossings and a residents’ parking scheme will be provided in the town Figure 6.6: Braintree Strategy Area and A1124 are showing signs of surface deterioration and cracking along centre. In addition, the County Council will establish a bus park facility in the wheel tracks, and require substantial maintenance. To address these 7.5 A performance management culture (see chapter 8) has been created that delivers Braintree and target the area’s larger local companies with workplace Travel problems the County Council will fully utilise the Traffic Management best value every time, to make a timely and substantial impact on the County Plans. Council’s targets. Following detailed analysis the second Local Transport Plan has Strategy and continue to work with the HA to meet the future travel sought to identify and prioritise the local transport policies and schemes that would demands on the A120 corridor (improvements to the east of Braintree). deliver the best possible value for money. A realistic view of the funding available Suffolk County Council has aspirations for a western bypass of Sudbury, from all sources has been taken and the LTP funding awarded to date has been which, if implemented, would have implications for communities along allocated to achieve the stretched mandatory and local targets (see Chapter 8). the A131 in Essex. 7.6 A comprehensive prioritisation process has been established to guide investment decisions, with targets and trajectories central to this process. The process by which the LTP Integrated Transport allocation has been indicatively split can been seen in Figure 7.1. This divides the five year allocation of £68.3m at a strategic level, in line with the DfT funding formula, but reflects the County’s own local

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6.140 Passenger transport alternatives will be encouraged by the increase in Delivery programme for Braintree and North Essex choice offered in the rural areas of North Essex. The Gainsborough rail 7 line will continue to be promoted through the Community Rail Proposal Funding Cost Delivery Chapter Partnership and the County Council will lobby for an increase in the Source £000 Body frequency of train services on the Sudbury and Braintree Branch Lines Major Schemes The Delivery Programme and the development of a passing loop at Cressing. Additionally, ten A120 Braintree to A12 HA TPI 312,000 HA QBPs will be implemented by the end of the second Local Transport Plan including the 133 Braintree to Stansted Airport. Delivering Accessibility Walking and Cycling LTP/Dev 95 ECC 6.141 As part of the strategic cycle network the County Council will investigate Public Rights of Way LTP/Dev 670 ECC Providing Safer and More Accessible Crossings LTP/Dev 38 ECC ways of improving both local and more strategic routes across the North Community Transport Interchange Pilot LTP 500 ECC Essex strategy area. Community Rail Partnership Station Enhancements LTP 13 ECC Bus and Rail Interchange Enhancements LTP/Dev 1,060 ECC Rural Transport Hubs LTP 80 ECC Other Towns and rural areas Tackling Congestion 6.142 Safety is a key issue in many of the rural parts of North Essex, Providing Safer Crossings LTP/Dev 225 ECC particularly on strategic routes with relatively high volumes of traffic Quality Bus Partnership LTP/Dev 1,061 ECC travelling at high speed, severing the local community. A number of Countywide Programme localised speed reduction measures will also be introduced to help Countywide schemes LTP/Dev 2,388 ECC address this issue. 6.143 Eight bridges have been identified in the small towns and rural areas for Table 6.14: Delivery Programme for Braintree and North Essex (excludes countywide structural maintenance work during the course of the second Local funding) Transport Plan.

Planning for the Future

6.144 Growth and development will continue beyond this Local Transport Plan period and therefore feasibility work must be undertaken during the second Local Transport Plan to deliver projects in the third and fourth LTP. These projects require a mix of revenue and capital funding to turn concepts into deliverable projects. • Braintree Branchline Enhancements to increase capacity on the branch as the town of Braintree expands with new housing • Developing in partnership with BAA improved access to an expanded Stansted Airport for all modes

223a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 223b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 224 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 225 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Delivery and Value for Money

Planning for the Future

223a Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 223b Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 224 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 225 Essex Local Transport Plan 2006-2011