Essex Highways have released the first photo of plans to re-design a stretch of East Mayne road today, following roadside air quality in the area exceeding legal limits for nitrogen dioxide.
Basildon Borough Council are putting forward a new pedestrian crossing layout to local residents and business’ as an alternative to charging a clean air zone fee. Despite, having previously been directed by Government to trial the effectiveness of a charge.
Councillor Kerry Smith, Basildon Council’s Chairman of Housing and Communities Committee, said: “The A127 serves a very busy area, one of the key areas for economic growth in the South-East. Instead of investing in infrastructure, the government suggested a charge that would cripple businesses and punish residents living in these areas.”
Both Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council have opposed the introduction of a clear air zone charge and are now proposing the following crossing scheme to protect pedestrians and cyclists that are being exposed to high levels of pollution.
The new plan relocates the existing route away from the dangerous area to reduce people’s exposure and would result in a compliance with legal air quality levels in East Mayne by 2022.
Nicola Wilkinson lives in East Mayne with her husband and 4-year-old son, she said: “It’s worrying to hear, I don’t want to bring my child up in a place that could affect his health…I am glad they’re doing something about it.”
Last year, Basildon Borough Council lowered the speed limit on the A127 between Pound Lane and the Fortune of War Roundabout to 50mph, but this measure has not been enough for this particular area.
Essex Highways have called for residents and businesses to have their say, the survey closes at midnight on December 13.
Visit essex.gov.uk/airquality to fill out the survey or find more information about the scheme.
