Bus lanes can cause more traffic jams than they solve, a motoring organisation has claimed.

The RAC said that lanes similar to those planned for Southend had to be strictly enforced - otherwise chaos would be caused by them, instead of them easing problems.

Southend council's decision to consider bringing in bus lanes as part of its policy to encourage people to abandon their cars has sparked uproar, particularly among readers and traders in Southchurch Road.

Traders claim the lanes would kill off trade and force many of them to close down because they would deter people from shopping in the area.

An Echo phone poll showed that the vast majority of readers were opposed to the idea, even though the council has said it would carry out full public consultation if it decided to pursue the scheme.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, said bus lane schemes have to strike a delicate balance. He said: "Some motorists aren't able to use buses, like parents with children and people making deliveries, so lanes for cars must still be provided.

"We support schemes which give priority to buses, and bus lanes which operate at certain times.

"They also have to be enforced strictly, because more jams can be created when buses pull into the main stream of traffic to pass round illegally-parked cars."

However, he added: "The level of congestion in some towns is chronic, and we can't continue like this. An alternative to the car must be provided."

Bus companies are firmly in favour of bus lanes.

David Shadbolt, spokesman for the Arriva bus company in Short Street, Southend, said: "Our vehicles are often delayed in the town, particularly in Southchurch Road.

"They just sit in traffic with other vehicles. We would welcome the construction of a bus lane, which would allow us to speed passengers through congested areas like the A13.

"Journeys would be shorter, the service more reliable, and bus travel would be a more attractive option for people who currently use cars."

Chris McCormick, traffic manager for First Thamesway, operates a joint transport scheme with Arriva, and agrees bus priority measures are needed.

He said: "The majority of services operate on the A13, and there is a noticeable problem with traffic there.

"Some parts of London Road would not be suitable for a bus lane, but a system allowing buses priority at the traffic lights would also provide a solution. "The whole public transport infrastructure in Southend needs to be examined more carefully."

If bus lanes were created, they should be policed properly to ensure they are kept clear during hours of operation, added Mr McCormick.

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