A computer programme which shows potential future traffic flow is being used to design the best access routes to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford.

As part of the continuing expansion at the hospital, Essex County Council has been investigating the most suitable methods of moving traffic, including public transport, both to and from the Chelmsford hospital.

At the Mid Essex Area Forum meeting, Carol Craven, development control manager for the county council, said: "We need to look at what buses go to the areas that matter and use transport material that looks at what is happening on the ground."

She added that a Paramic traffic model, a computer programme that demonstrates how traffic could be affected in the future, has also been used which will show the traffic flow and how it reflects local traffic pressure points.

Mrs Craven questioned whether people who need help can get to the hospital and whether they can reach it from outlying areas.

When asked whether some parking spaces could be lost, she admitted that spaces for vehicles may go due to the continued expansion of the hospital.

Neil Spurgeon, Chelmsford West, said hospital workers themselves already found it difficult to park.

He added: "Some improvement does need to be looked at."

Rachel Ward, project manager for the scheme, said: "These comments and suggestions will all be considered as part of the study."

A draft report for the project would be available in early 2004.

Published Friday, April 18, 2003

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