A new plan looks at ways to make walking, wheeling and cycling a better option for short journeys.
The Thurrock Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan looks at ways to encourage anyone heading out for a short local trip to leave the car at home and cycle or walk instead, and create a plan which can help guide future development in a way that promotes active travel.
Thurrock Council has received over £1.7m in government funding to help create better walking and cycling paths across the borough. Adopting a Thurrock Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is essential for accessing future funding to develop active travel.
Cllr Victoria Holloway, Cabinet member for Place and the Environment, said: “We want to do all we can to help make sure that residents have great options to make local trips on foot or by bike.
“This plan sets out the best ways we can go about making sure that walking, wheeling or cycling are the natural first choices for short local trips. The plan sets out improvements to make those journeys easier and more pleasant, such as crossing and junction improvements, footpath improvements and traffic calming measures; all in line with the latest government standards.
“There are significant benefits to active travel including exercise and health benefits, reducing local pollution and the fact that it does not cost anything to walk or cycle locally.
“This plan sets out in detail what can be done at a strategic level, as plans are progressed consultation will be carried out with residents on individual schemes.”
The Thurrock Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan was approved by Cabinet at their meeting on Wednesday 12 February. The plan is available as part of the reports pack.