New plans to tackle Chelmsford city centre congestion

Plans to transform Chelmsford’s transport network for drivers, pedestrians, bus users and cyclists have been announced by Essex County Council.

The council has decided on 16 schemes combining 20 of the 30 proposals put to the public in the Chelmsford City Growth Package (CCGP) consultation earlier this year.

The Chelmsford City Growth Package is worth a combined £15 million.

Essex County Council is now submitting a business case to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership for £10 million of funding towards the package of schemes. Essex County Council is providing the additional £5 million.

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader at Essex County Council, said the announcement was ‘a bold plan to ease congestion and create a truly modern and joined-up sustainable transport network’.

He said: “Everyone knows that congestion is a big issue in Chelmsford with the city's roads just four per cent from capacity during peak times.

"This is a bold plan to ease congestion and create a truly modern and joined-up sustainable transport network.

"We cannot continue to just build more roads and rely on our cars to get everywhere – we have to design our roads to ensure sustainable transport is a quick, easy and accessible alternative.

“Thank you to everyone who shared your views with us – we have spent the last few months analysing those views and tweaking our plans to take into account any concerns raised by residents.

“I truly believe we have presented a package of works that will transform Chelmsford’s transport network for the better for decades to come.”