I am grateful to ECC officers who have provided the information enabling me to create this briefing for members of the Parish Council but which is intended for all residents of the village. I shall be grateful if all recipients could distribute it as widely as possible.
Let me say at the outset that I fully understand the concerns that are being expressed. Residents of Little Baddow have been experiencing rising traffic levels over many years, and the integrity of the community would be imperiled by a large additional volume of cars and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). In this briefing I am able to provide such information as I have been given; there will clearly be many other questions and issues you will want to raise at a later stage.
- Papermill Lock Bridge (PLB) is a historic structure, the condition of which has inevitably deteriorated over its life. It was because of this that the current weight limit was imposed many years ago.
- I’m advised that the exemption for buses would have been a compromise, balancing the need to lighten the strain on the bridge against the importance of maintaining connectivity. Given the emerging strategy of Essex buses, the continuing ability for public transport to use the bridge will be important for Essex County Council.
- Despite the restriction, PLB continues to age and it’s replacement is being planned for construction in 2023/24 subject to finance availability.
- All new bridges must be constructed in line with current regulations, and this means that the bridge will be full load bearing. It is worth noting that PLB should not currently be used by emergency vehicles such as fire engines. Theoretically the removal of the weight limit could make the bridge a route HGVs – but see below.
- As bridge design continues there will be a full pre-planning consultation which officers expect to take place in the Autumn. Such consultations will normally include a presentation to the Parish Council; given the scale of interest, I am asking officers to consider inclusion of an exhibition and/or a wider public meeting.
- Residents have enquired whether the existing bridge could not simply be repaired. I am advised that various options for repair have been examined but at this stage do not have the reasons for the new bridge being preferred. This will be something residents can raise at the pre-planning consultation stage.
- I am assured that any rumour that Essex Highways intend this to become a route for HGVs is completely false. Indeed officers confirm that the access routes to PLB would be entirely unsuitable for such vehicles and they will need to consider how to combat the use of Google and sat nav by lorry drivers who see it as a short cut.
There has also been a rumour that the route is seen as a means of relieving A414 traffic and I am again assured that this has no foundation. Indeed it would be entirely counterproductive because the next few years will see major roadworks on the A12 at Junction19, and along it’s whole route from Junction 19 to Marks Tey. Encouraging traffic to use PLB would create greater traffic volumes seeking to access the A12 along these pinch points.
I am grateful to the Chair of the Parish Council and to those residents who have been in touch with me on this issue. I know that the information not have fully will set minds at rest, but I do hope that it provides a foundation of fact and points to the opportunity for residents to be fully engaged on this important issue. Incidentally I have this week been consulted on the continuation of the Traffic Regulation Order which will enable the yellow lines to stay in place and I have asked that this be implemented.
With best wishes,
John
Cllr John Spence CBE
Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care
Essex County Council, County Hall, Chelmsford
