Islanders on Canvey face constant traffic headaches. Calls for a third road access are still being ignored.
Residents think they need another road and also want better transport options. Islanders have asked for changes for years, seeking less traffic and better access. A new island road could fix these issues.
In 2021, a council leader planned action. Andrew Sheldon would form a task force to find a third access road answer. The task force needed to build a new bridge and construct a connecting road.
The Canvey Island group took over later, and the third road project stalled. This delay made residents worried. One resident avoids weekend trips due to heavy traffic.
Another resident described constant chaos, saying they have needed a road for decades. Someone else thinks leaders do nothing and feels representatives fail to promote a needed road.
Residents worry about emergencies, fearing an incident could trap everyone. Benfleet, Canvey, and Castle Point could halt. Poor transport affects emergency service use too.
One person with hospital visits gets delayed and tries booking appointments carefully, aiming to avoid rush hour. She feels the stress hurts her health. Someone said they need another way off.
Andrew Sheldon understands residents’ feelings and said that he feels frustrated. He said residents had a good optimism. He feels upset since nothing happened.
Essex Council said they support better links and want to connect Canvey better. That sort of project needs funding and support from the national level. Money needs to come from the government.
They are checking proposals with others to find the right answer. They will act when money becomes available, and the plan could improve roads and transport. Plans must match housing and job growth, as this growth affects south Essex.