TRAFFIC regulation orders proposing changes around Braintree Station have been submitted.

The proposed changes are designed to help facilitate new build-outs by increasing the size of off-road areas and reducing the width of crossing areas.

These would also provide more space for people not in cars to move around the station area.

The addition of a new bus stop is also put forward, which would allow multiple vehicles to park near the station.

It is also proposed to make the area more cycle-friendly.

The one-way operation of the Station Approach ‘loop’ is designed to reduce conflicts between bus services, cycles, and general traffic. 

This would also enable the introduction of a secondary bus stop. 

Highway authorities made bids for funding in 2020, after the Government announced the second Active Travel Fund.

The objective was to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

Initially, this was to enable cycling to replace journeys made by public transport, in order to help avoid overcrowding on the public transport network.

It was also expected to deliver "significant" health, environmental and congestion benefits by providing infrastructure to create streets which can accommodate increased levels of cycling and walking.

Essex County Council submitted a bid and was awarded £7.4million in November 2020 to deliver five schemes maintaining the growth in walking and cycling seen across five areas during the period of the pandemic.

This funding, together with match funding by County Hall, will fund schemes to improve walking and cycling.

The other Essex areas included in the scheme are Basildon, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Colchester.