THURROCk Council could be about to introduce 20mph limits and bar traffic from some roads in a bid to encourage residents to walk and cycle more.

A report on council's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan will be discussed at cabinet on Wednesday (12 February).

It says the council aims to increase levels of walking, wheeling and cycling local trips to main town centres, schools, train stations and large retail and employment sites.

"Traffic-calmed streets" with speed limits of 20mph include stretches of London Road, Purfleet, and West Thurrock and Southend Road, Stanford-le-Hope.

The report says streets that carry less than 2,000 vehicles per day are considered to be low traffic streets enabling people to cycle and walk safely and comfortably.

However, Where streets have more traffic, but do not form part of the main road network, measures such as "modal filters" preventing through-traffic but retaining access for local residents and visitors.

This, the council says, can be done through "camera-enforced restrictions such as bus gates, which allow certain permitted vehicles to pass through and fixed or moveable bollards.

Such measures have proved unpopular in some parts of the country, with particular concern around access for emergency vehicles but the council says the plan will be subject to consultation and feasibility studies.

It includes improved junctions to allow safer crossing for pedestrians, cyclists and those who use wheelchairs and prams.

New cycle paths will include those "fully separated" from traffic using road space rather than pavements. The report says several streets could accommodate protected cycle facilities, such as Lodge Lane and Wood View.

The report said: "Supporting a programme to deliver active travel infrastructure will help in the council's wider aims of reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, improving levels of physical activity, and reducing congestion and car dependency through increased walking and cycling levels.

"Increased walking and cycling can support both mental and physical health benefits for residents, helping to reduce stress and fight depression, as well as helping to prevent long-term health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Tackling such health inequalities, and access improvements aligns with council priorities and strategies in supporting the wellbeing of residents."