A THURROCK councillor had welcomed the removal of traffic restrictions on Buckingham Hill Road which were put in place to allow safe access to the Linford household waste recycling site.

As reported on Thurrock Nub News yesterday, the council have today confirmed the change.

A statement issued by the council today (Friday, 14 August] says: "Thurrock Council is removing the temporary one-way traffic system from Buckingham Hill Road, Butts Lane and Walton's Hall Road in Stanford-le-Hope from Monday 17 August.

"The temporary one-way system was brought in during May to help manage traffic around the Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC).

"If residents are unable to gain access to the site when they first arrive they will be asked to re-visit the HWRC later.

"For safety reasons traffic will not be permitted to queue on Buckingham Hill Road."

East Tilbury Cllr Fraser Massey says the change is timely but hopes that the impact that the route diversion had may bring some recognition of the problems face by residents in his ward on a daily basis.

The diversion meant that a significant increase in traffic happened on Butts Lane in Stanford-le-Hope and concern was raised by residents and councillors there, who were particularly concerned about speeding.

Cllr Massey says: "I am very pleased to hear the roads will be going back to two-way, during the one way system the increase in traffic through Butts Lane was noticed by residents and ward councillors in Stanford-le-Hope.

"This is the same traffic East Tilbury and Linford have been suffering for years, much of it going past a primary school.

"I would like to thank the team at the tip and traffic management for the work done during this period, I am sure residents will feel the benefits of reduced journey times and easier access."

Cllr Ben Maney, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: "The temporary one-way system was introduced to manage risks around queuing traffic waiting to gain entry to the HWRC when it reopened following closures forced by lockdown measures.

"Now is the right time to remove these temporary traffic measures, freeing up local roads for motorists who are not going to the tip.

"It is important that roads are kept safe and clear so anyone unable to gain access to the HWRC straight away will need to leave and return later."