Councillor V Holloway introduced the report and stated that she was pleased to introduce Thurrock’s first Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. Councillor V Holloway stated that Thurrock has received over a million pounds to help improve its infrastructure and it is hoped the plan will enable to the council to access further funding.

Councillor L Watson stated that she was pleased to see traffic calming measures and queried if this will be put in the local plan.

Councillor V Holloway responded that they take the local plan seriously and this will help support the delivery of it. It will also ensure future funding can be accessed.

Councillor Muldowney commented that she is always in favour of more cycling and walking as it will help to meet climate change ambitions. There are no financial implications but it will allow the council to submit future grant funding applications.

Councillor Morris-Cook stated that she was pleased to see the 20mph limit on Argent Street.

Councillor Hooper stated that he welcomed the plan and it was about developing safer and clearer ways to travel and keep people healthy. Councillor Hooper stated he would like to see more children cycling to school to reduce congestion. Councillor Hooper commented that he would like to have the community’s buy-in on this and he would like to see cycle map similar to a tube map with different coloured routes identified.

Councillor Worrall stated that anything to get people out of their cars and walking and cycling is a good thing. Councillor Worrall queried how residents were consulted.

Councillor Hartstean commented that she was pleased to see Pilgrims Lane on the plan as residents have difficulties getting across the roundabout.

Councillor J Kent also welcomed the plan and noted that without it the council would not have the chance to bring in further funding.

Councillor Holloway responded that an external consultancy had looked at the Thurrock area and identified missing gaps for cycling. It is hoped the plan will link communities together. Public engagement took place in the summer of 2024 and amendments were made to the plan following feedback being received and additional routes were brought in.

RESOLVED:

1.4 Cabinet approved the Thurrock Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for adoption and publication.

Reason for the decision: as outlined in the report

This decision is subject to call-in