NEW images have been released showing how a key junction could be overhauled in a bid to curb plans for a "charging clean air zone" off the A127. 

Residents and businesses in Basildon are being encouraged to have their say on air quality and a proposed pedestrian and cyclist crossing scheme which is expected to avoid the need for a charging clean air zone - dubbed by councillors as a potential "congestion charge". 

Echo: As it is - the junction at East MayneAs it is - the junction at East Mayne

The changes would see pedestrian and cyclist crossings on East Mayne in Basildon relocated to help avoid people coming into contact with air pollution at the roadside, if plans are given the green light.

It comes as a stretch of the A127 in Basildon and two areas to the south of it – notably in East Mayne – were found to be exceeding legal limits for nitrogen dioxide – a harmful gas caused by vehicle emissions.

Echo: The area of concern in East Mayne, BasildonThe area of concern in East Mayne, Basildon

 

Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council are both strongly opposed to the idea of a charging clean air zone in Basildon and have been carrying out extensive work to identify and assess possible alternatives to resolve air quality problems in part of the Basildon Enterprise Corridor.

As a result, a scheme to relocate shared pedestrian and cyclist crossings in East Mayne has now been identified as a preferred option.

Echo: The existing crossings layoutThe existing crossings layout

A new 50mph speed limit was launched into action along the A127 earlier this year, after the Government ordered Essex County Council and Basildon Council to improve air quality on the A127 as quickly as possible.

Both were instructed to assess the effectiveness of a potential charging clean air zone, which would have seen drivers of certain heavily polluting vehicles charged for driving within a designated zone.

Echo: The proposed new crossings layoutThe proposed new crossings layout

To have a say on the plans, click here.