PLANS to crackdown on pollution and make Colchester more cycle friendly could see 20mph limits and cars banned outside schools.

Ambitious proposals to create two segregated cycle routes across parts of the town have been unveiled.

Essex County Council has submitted a bid to Department for Transport for more money from the Government Emergency Active Travel fund.

It was already given cash to put in place Covid-19 measures across the town.

As part of the plan cycle routes would be created from Mile End Road to Butt Road and from the junction of Spring Lane to East Hill.

Both routes would see a scheme known as school streets introduced.

It means only pedestrians and cyclists can use the roads at school start and finish times.

The restrictions aim to tackle congestion and improve air quality at the school gates while encouraging people to walk to school.

The council would also look to introduce low traffic neighbourhoods and 20mph speed limits.

Other measures would include enhanced signs, extended footpaths and other traffic calming measures.

The bid will now be considered by the Government with results announced later this year.

Gazette:

Kevin Bentley, the council’s infrastructure boss, said: “Working in partnership with local councils, we evaluated nearly 20 proposals against the criteria and the strongest five have been shortlisted and included in one overall bid.

“We have identified a transformative set of active travel schemes which we want to take forward in partnership.

“We want the schemes to encourage people to rethink how they make their local journeys in safer, greener, and healthier ways, whether on foot or by bike, instead of opting for the car.

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

The schemes submitted are required by the Department for Transport to reallocate road space to cycling and walking to ensure better access to town centres.

To find out more visit essexhighways.org.