“THURROCK needs to take back control of its roads.” says Cllr Brian Little, newly appointed Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation.
“In March, as Chair of Planning, Transport Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee, I called for the establishment of a Congestion Task Force to tackle the growing traffic problems in our borough.
“Some useful progress has been made between Highways England, Essex Police, Essex County Council and Thurrock Council officers.
“However, far more needs to be done.”
He explained: “Firstly, we need to make full use of the powers available to us to control disruption on local roads.
“I have asked officers to develop plans to introduce a Permit Scheme for works on the highway. This should help keep delays to a minimum, and ensure that council officers have the information they need to coordinate multiple sets of road works in a particular area.
“Secondly, we need to keep the pressure on Highways England to take responsibility for the spill-over effects of problems on the M25 and QE2 Bridge.
“A joint approach is integral to improving intelligence led transport systems in the west of the borough, and we hope that we can count on Highways England’s full support in achieving this.
“Finally, I will shortly be setting up a Thurrock Congestion Action Group to bring local road users together with those responsible for keeping traffic moving, to drive and monitor progress.
He added: “We will not allow Thurrock to become a car park!”
