SOUTHEND Conservatives have launched a five-point plan to get “Southend moving again” including improved infrastructure for cyclists and more parking around the hospital.

The plan to tackle transport issues across the borough was announced yesterday, by Kevin Buck, councillor for transport.

The five-point transport plan includes:

- Expanding dedicated cycle lanes so you can cycle anyway in the town safely

- Increasing the number of car parking spaces in the area which surrounds the hospital

- Creation of the ‘Southend Loop’ bus service, although the details are not clear

- A review of how effective residential parking schemes are

- Implementing a transferable parking ticket scheme, where one parking ticket covers all council-owned car parks during the allotted time.

The council acknowledged the town is suffering from a large amount of air pollution due to congestion, which is feared to be having a negative effect on the health of residents.

Mr Buck’s has high hopes for his five-point plan, which includes ideas already announced and featured in the Conservatives ten-point plan for Southend.

Mr Buck said: “I am pleased to announce these important policy objectives.

“It is important that we make parking across the borough more accessible and affordable.

“Implementing alternative and greener transport solutions such as dedicated cycle ways that are segregated from the main highway and mush safer to use is a must if we are to encourage greater use.

“Better access to public transport and more bus routes is a must and the ‘Southend Loop’ will be a great addition to existing services.

“Tackling the air quality issues and the drive towards zero carbon emissions from our transport infrastructure remains a very high priority for me and this Conservative administration.”

Tory leader Tony Cox is facing a vote of no confidence in his leadership next week. If he were to lose that, it is likely the Conservative administration would collapse, with a Labour leader in his place.