A new strategy to shape the future of transport in Castle Point has been unveiled.

The council is committed to working in partnership with county chiefs to develop a local transport plan aimed at encouraging people from their cars to use public transport.

A consultation was carried out with residents to seek their views on the matter which has been used as a framework for the plan.

Objectives listed in the strategy include:

Promoting the use of public transport

Supporting the development of river-based passenger and freight services

To see an expansion of passenger routes from Southend Airport

Carry out traffic schemes such as calming measures and speed reduction to reduce congestion in residential roads

Develop a network of cycleways and safe pedestrian routes

To provide well-maintained roads and paths and promote road safety and green transport policies.

The document also states that a third access road to Canvey is strongly supported by residents and that the matter needs to be urgently addressed.

But the blueprint goes on to say that it is unlikely that the road can be provided in the first five years of the plan.

Director of technical services Nigel Thomas, said: "This is an important document which details the future work in Castle Point.

"The main thrust is to support public transport and to develop congestion relief projects to ease traffic flow within the borough.

"It is being linked between the county, neighbouring authorities and transport agencies.

"We are pleased with the document and what it has to offer and it will be interesting to see the reaction from the public."

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