No relief in sight for those using North Station roundabout

Colchester Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Martin Goss has asked for the Portfolio Holder for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, Councillor Lee Scott to join him at North Station roundabout to see for himself the dangerous conditions.

Martin contacted Councillor Scott to ask him what plans Essex County Council had for North Station roundabout, unfortunately there is little to no good news for those having to use vehicles through this route.

Martin Goss said:

“Those having to use North Station Roundabout are experiencing unprecedented delays, especially on busy weekends and during rush hours. For many of us, myself included, there is no alternative choice but to spend sometimes, hours sitting in static traffic.”   

New Schemes Offer No Relief

In his reply, County Councillor Scott has confirmed that schemes such as the Rapid Transit System (RTS) will provide a faster route for buses, cyclists and pedestrians which is to be welcomed. Councillor Scott also stated that there would be works at the Essex Hall Roundabout for “additional priority signal installations to improve public transport access through the roundabout” with the “current cycleway installation on Station Way made permanent”.

These are all welcome towards protecting our environment however Martin expressed concern that,

“while welcoming these new green initiatives, they are going to have little benefit for those who have no alternative but to drive, whether it be to/from the hospital, rail station, the weekly shop or work-related they will be further penalised with longer delays that will only increase vehicle-related fumes.”

Good News

Councillor Scott did offer some relief “through measures to provide additional capacity at the Colne Bank roundabout and widen the A134 Station Way link between Essex Hall and Colne Bank roundabout” from s106 monies (funding that is dependent on the occupation of the 1,305 dwelling on the Chesterwell Development).

Martin finished,

“while grateful to Councillor Scott for his response, I remain very concerned that while there are welcomed measures in encouraging safer walking and cycling, there remains for the many vehicles that will still have to use this roundabout very little relief to the current situation.”

Martin Goss has contacted Councillor Scott to ask him to join him on a Saturday to witness the issues and discuss urgent solutions that are needed to protect all road users.

   Leave a comment