THURROCK Council has explained why it is implements speed restrictions and putting in signage and other measures at four sites in Thurrock in a bid to help beat Covid-19.

Cllr Ben Maney, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "Government funded Emergency Active Travel measures are being implemented to support increased walking and cycling as part of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Part of this programme of work is taking place in four areas near to train stations, including the road approaching South Ockenden Station. This scheme was originally agreed and planned four weeks ago and has been implemented this week. The measures on this road are to reduce the speed limit to 20 miles per hour (supported by speed cushions, humps and a raised crossing) and temporarily widening the footway on the southern side.

"This is to slow traffic to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and to make it easier to adhere to social distancing.

"There have been calls for a 20 mile an hour limit to be brought in on this stretch of road for some time, and I'm sure this will be welcome news to residents who have been asking for this to happen.

"These measures are being introduced through Experimental Orders which will last 12 months. A consultation on these changes will run until June 2021 so that residents can have their say on what they think of the measures, this feedback will then shape whether the changes become permanent."