Calls for "hastily introduced" cycle lanes to be scrapped in Colchester
The High Steward of Colchester says some cycle lanes "destroy the financial viability" of small local businesses
Essex County Council is facing calls to scrap a number of cycle lanes in Colchester.
Sir Bob Russell, who's the High Steward, wants to see the lanes in North Station Road from the railway bridge to Essex Hall Roundabout removed, as well as St John's Street and Headgate.
He said: "I am not opposed to the principle of cycle lanes BUT they have to be installed for the right reasons – not to the detriment of other road users, and not where their introduction destroys the financial viability of small local businesses."
He claims they have caused "congestion and chaos" due to buses no longer being able to use the former designated lane on North Station Road, and St John's Street being changed to one-way.
Sir Russell is also calling for the proposals for a cycle lane between the Albert Roundabout to be scrapped, due to potential implications for nearby businesses.
A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: "The purpose of all cycle lanes is to make Colchester a Safer, Greener, Healthier place by increasing scope for social distancing while Covid is a threat and making it easier to walk and cycle more.
"Cycle lane use encourages more people to move out of cars and use active travel, which is better for our towns and cities as it leads to less congestion, better for the NHS as people get fitter through active travel and better for the environment as less pollution is released on their daily journey."
Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Councillor Kevin Bentley, added: "I’m sure Sir Bob agrees with me that Colchester suffers from terrible traffic congestion, there is only one cause for this and that is vehicles.
"Why I perfectly understand some people absolutely have to use cars, others don’t, including me, and we need to think more carefully how we travel around for the benefit of all.
"Because previous councillors have failed to act on this and allowed car growth to happen we now have terrible congestion. This we are seeking to change and provide better, cheaper alternatives for people to us and I really hope Sir Bob helps with this to unclog Colchester."