A PAVEMENT overhaul could be in the offing in Southend with bosses set to discuss new measures tomorrow.

A new report, to be presented to Southend Council's cabinet,  includes the requirements for approving a new dropped kerb to allow for off-street parking.

As well as giving the council’s newly formed highways enforcement team greater powers for any resident or business that causes obstruction, damage or interference to roads and pavements.

The report also recommends adopting a new policy which looks at how the council’s newly formed highways enforcement team would enforce correct use of crossovers.

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If approved, it would see the establishment of a new panel comprising of the head of traffic and highways, an independent council engineer, and ward councillors who will consider the written evidence from the applicant and decide if the council has correctly refused a vehicle crossover, or if the decision should be overturned.

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of Southend Council, said: “For too long, our processes for installing new dropped kerbs have been slow and extremely difficult.

"The review undertaken has shown that our existing vehicle crossover policy means decisions go through the Traffic Regulations Working Party, something the Ombudsman criticised for its slowness, inconsistency and lack of clarity relating to policy

“Streamlining the decision making into the head of service’s powers, whilst also keeping local ward Councillors involved in any appeals processes, means we are speeding up the decision making but also keeping those who know the area best involved throughout.

“The existing policy is over seven years old, and is well overdue for a refresh, so I am looking forward to discussing this new policy in detail with cabinet colleagues.”

Subject to cabinet approval, enforcement could come in a variety of forms, from a simple warning, up to a fixed penalty notices and in severe cases, prosecution may be sought.

Cllr Woodley continued: “Something that has been raised continuously for years now is that there is not enough enforcement for those responsible for causing damage and obstruction to pavements and roads across the Borough.

"We have seen too many incidents where residents are left to manoeuvre damaged pavements from vans parked on verges, ducking under overgrown greenery and damage to pavements through people illegally creating a driveway without the appropriate dropped kerb in place.

“The aim of the new enforcement policy is to engage and educate initially.

"We want to be fair with our residents and businesses and ensure they work with us rather than against us.

"However, we will not tolerate non-compliance, and I am pleased this new policy would give powers to enforce as necessary against those responsible.”