A CONGESTION charge on the A127 and A13 was suggested by consultants brought in by council bosses to slash costs, it has been revealed.

A snapshot of a document, released by the Conservatives, show the idea to place a charge on using the major south Essex roads had been presented to the former Labour-led administration.

Tory council leader Tony Cox said the report, which cost taxpayers £85,000, illustrated there were plans for an incoming congestion charge.

But Labour strenuously denies it was ever considering introducing the ULEZ-style charge.

Labour leader Daniel Cowan said the idea had been put forward to Labour but had never been on the table.

He said: “This is complete political spin. Every year, a council in control will go through a process of how to balance the books and a part of that is giving officers an opportunity to go away, think of ideas and be as creative as possible.

“Some of the ideas are good, some are bad like a congestion charge on the A127 and A13.

“The council rejected this out of hand. It would not happen as it does not work for Southend.”

Mr Cox has confirmed to the Echo the idea will “not be implemented” by Tory bosses.

He added: “Rolling out a congestion charge on the A127 and A13 will punish poorer people, and it will not be implemented on our radar.

“Southend has the most improving air quality since the 70s, and this idea would destroy that. The Conservatives will not be implementing any such idea.”

According to a screenshot published by Mr Cox of the proposed ideas, there were also plans for a workplace parking levy and a nighttime economy levy.

The congestion charge row comes after the High Court ruled London Mayor Sadiq Khan expansion to the ULEZ ultra low emission zone was legal.

Tory administrations have called for powers to put a halt to Mr Khan’s idea.

Mr Khan welcomed the result but said he would “do anything possible” to address any Londoners’ concerns.