Cyclist and pedestrian safety is top of the agenda for Castle Point's transport leader.

In his yearly report, Brian Wilson stressed pedestrians and cyclists will be given particular attention as he looked forward to a new year of traffic management.

Top of the his priorities list is further development of proper, safe and good quality cycleways around the area.

His report adds: "But every bit as important as this will be the promotion of the use of cycles with the associated benefits to personal health and reduction of air pollution.

"Particular attention will be given to road safety on the routes to schools.

"We can only reasonably ask parents to get out of their cars and walk their children to school again if we do our bit and make it as safe as possible for them to do so."

Improvements to public transport were also near the top of his list when it came to tackling the borough's transport problems.

Pedestrians were not over-looked in his vision as he looked to sustain the vitality of shopping areas.

He said: "Improvements to the remaining local shopping area paths are envisaged to maintain the viability of local shopping."

Published Friday, January 10, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo