Why we need sert
The Thames Gateway area is the Government's highest priority for regeneration, and its 'Thames Gateway Interim Plan: Policy Framework' Plan aims for around 37,000 new homes to be built and around 55,000 jobs created in the area between 2001 and 2016.
Thames Gateway South Essex is identified as one of the Engines of Growth in the East of England Plan, and as a Priority Area for Regeneration because of the area's generally weak economic performance and the presence of significant areas of deprivation. Basildon, Southend and Thurrock are also all identified in the East of England Plan as Key Centres for Development and Change.
More homes and jobs means more traffic. A Government study in 2004 identified that traffic levels in South Essex already resulted in congestion at peak times in key locations. Adding more traffic to roads in the area through development would just mean more delays, causing frustration for many people and adding to business costs. It would also cause more damage to the environment.
Therefore, it is not possible, nor sustainable, for car traffic to meet all future travel demand without real constraints on providing new homes, worse access for business locations and environmental degradation. A realistic attractive alternative needs to be available to cater for local travel. sert will provide this alternative by delivering high quality public transport to get people where they want to go reliably, quickly and without delay.
The sert proposals are referred to in the local development documents produced to date by Basildon District Council, Southend on Sea Borough Council and Thurrock Council. The proposals have also been specifically incorporated into the Regeneration Strategies produced by Basildon Renaissance, Renaissance Southend Ltd and the Thurrock Development Corporation, and recognised in all cases as being integral and vital elements in supporting the regeneration of these areas.
