A former councillor and keen cyclist has backed proposals for a town centre cycle lane and better cycling provision within the borough.

Controversial plans to turn the Queensway underpass into a single carriageway were raised again last week with the publication of Southend Council’s Parking and Access Strategy.

The plan was formerly dismissed by councillors as unworkable and this view was reaffirmed by the council, despite the report.

However, the council is said to have been lobbied by cycling groups keen on the plan.

Former Conservative councillor Adam Jones, 51, has also called for more walking and cycling opportunities in the town.

He said: “I think Queensway could be a fantastic scheme. If the council can grasp the nettle and effectively start to reverse engineer the town’s infrastructure then this might actually start to combat the wider problems we have of getting round and about in Southend.

“Everyone who drives at some point has said ‘I’m stuck in traffic’, ‘the traffic was awful’ or words to that effect. Well, here’s the thing, you ARE the traffic.

“With all the building development going on in and around Southend and the surrounding towns and villages, we are only contributing to the problem.

“So, by limiting vehicular access and creating more opportunities to cycle we will encourage people out of their cars and to try alternative methods of getting from A to B.”

Mr Jones, from Barling, added: “The propensity of urban planners to give priority to vehicles has to be challenged. The Dutch were able to turn around their love affair with cars during the Seventies and Eighties, and today around 40 per cent of all journeys made in Amsterdam are on bikes.

“People will complain, and of course it takes money to deliver these projects, but if we create a greater network of cycle paths and places to walk safely, then perhaps more people who make short trips to and from the town centre and seafront, or are visiting from further afield, will feel that leaving the car at home is actually the more desirable and sensible option.”

The council’s access strategy notes the extensive and popular cycle route along the seafront from Shoebury through to Chalkwell and suggests a new route from Chalkwell to Leigh, as well as improved signage.

Councillor Andrew Moring, cabinet member for infrastructure, said the council was looking to improve cycling in the town.

He added: “The borough-wide access, parking and transport strategy will look to provide the best experience for residents and visitors to Southend, by providing comprehensive information on all travel and parking options and enabling visitors to choose the most convenient travel arrangements.

“Along with improving the experience for drivers, the strategy also identifies scope to improve pedestrian and cycle routes throughout the borough.

“It is worth highlighting that the initial report has been produced by independent experts, and is their view of how we can improve parking and access to the town.”

He said there would be consultations with councillors, local businesses and residents before any plans are finalised.