A new cycle route and rapid charging points for electric cars will be among the measures proposed to improve air quality along the A127 between Basildon and Rochford, as part of the authorities’ response to the Government’s Air Quality Plan for nitrogen dioxide.

Following a joint submission from Basildon, Rochford and Essex County Council to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) a grant of £1,258,000 has been awarded to the authorities for initial actions, to tackle the issue.

A sum of £788,000 has been awarded for the installation of a cycle route with the remaining £470,000 designated for the installation of rapid charging points for electric vehicles.

The award coincides with the submission by the authorities of a Strategic Outline Case for reducing levels of nitrogen dioxide to compliant levels in the shortest possible time. Further details of the progress so far are available at www.rochford.gov.uk/soc.

Other improvement measures are also being considered.

Simon Humby, Basildon Council’s Environmental Health Manager, said: “This is good news for residents of both Basildon and Rochford living in the vicinity of the A127. We welcome the grants funding for the measures proposed. There are no plans to implement congestion charges at any point along the A127.”

These measures are required to reduce levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) along the A127 route between Basildon and Rochford. Basildon, Rochford and Essex County Council as the highways authority have been working together to draw up plans to reduce levels of pollution in the shortest possible time. The measures will be completely grant funded meaning there is no impact on local taxpayers.