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New bus lanes proposed for busy Southend junctions as part of major overhaul

Buses could get priority at junction with 'mini' lanes to help keep services moving
Buses could get priority at junction with 'mini' lanes to help keep services moving

BUSES could be given priority over all other traffic through the introduction of bus lanes at busy junctions in Southend as part of a major overhaul to improve services.

The new lanes would also come with their own set of traffic lights at junctions under Southend Council’s bus improvement plan.

Senior councillors say the scheme will help keep traffic moving but insist it would only work at junctions with enough space for additional bus lanes.

The proposals being discussed could also see one firm takeover all bus services not just in Southend, but potentially across the whole of south Essex.

Steven Wakefield, Independent councillor responsible for highways, transport and parking, said: “We could be looking at putting mini-bus lanes at junctions to help give buses priority.

“The road would be opened up and the buses would have their own traffic lights giving them priority over other traffic.

“It has to be where there is room and could possibly be used at the junction near Southend Airport and the McDonalds.

"I also think it could be used potentially at the Kent Elms junction on the A127.

“We also need to be looking at this as part of major developments and infrastructure plans such as the Fossetts Farm Southend United plans with the stadium and new homes.”

Bus users say they welcome anything to improve the buses services and efficiency.

Jennifer Bridge, from Southend, welcomed efforts to ensure services arrive on time.

The 71-year-old said: “I rely on the buses as we do not have a car. I think giving the bus priority could help.

"I think anything that helps improve the service is a good thing, it may help with reliability which would be a great thing and I think it would be very much welcomed.

“I welcome anything that helps to give us a better, more prompt and reliable service as for people like us it’s a life line.”

Opposition councillors have called for more details on the proposals.

Kevin Buck, Conservative shadow cabinet member for transport said: “I do not have issues with the ideas in principle but the bus priority at junctions needs to be properly assessed on a junction by junction basis.

“It wouldn’t work at some places where there’s bad congestion.”