COLCHESTER is rapidly expanding and so is the number of cars on its roads.

Since 2000, the number of vehicle movements in the town has risen steadily - from around 480 million annual vehicle-kilometres to 550 million in 2018.

Congestion is sure to be a hot topic at next month’s General Election, so we asked each candidate for their ideas on how to get Colchester moving.

Labour candidate Tina McKay promised her party would “make public transport a public service again”.She said: “Our approach will be investment. We’ll give resources to councils so that they can bring buses into public ownership.

“This means they’ll no longer be run as profit generators for big corporations, many owned by overseas investors, but instead be run as a local public service with a focus on making buses more affordable, reliable and regular.

“We’ll introduce free bus passes for under 25s as they are the group who can least afford current fares. More buses, a joined-up system, where everyone is working together rather than competing.”

Colchester Council’s transport boss and Lib Dem candidate Martin Goss said a joined-up approach for road, rail, walking and cycling was needed.

“Lib Dem national policy will mean a freeze on rail fares for the next parliament - that means no increase for commuters,” he said.

“There will also be significant investment in rail by upgrading stations, re-opening old stations and also twinning lines on major routes.

“The only true way to deal with congestion is to ensure future house building includes proper robust infrastructure which includes good solid public transport that is cost effective, clean green and easy to access.

“There needs to be better integrated cycling and walking routes as well as the necessary roads to ensure everyone can get around.

“Public transport also needs huge investment in Colchester as currently bus services are badly integrated, expensive, unreliable and some of the bus stock is old and polluting.”

“Family friendly pricing is needed for buses too. It is cheaper to drive a family of four into town and park than it is to catch a bus - this is simply wrong.”

Green Party candidate Mark Goacher said his party would invest £2.5 billion a year in public transport, walking and cycling.

“Money currently spent on new road building would be switched to public transport investment,” he said.

“Colchester needs joined up cycle paths which are clearly designated and distinct from pedestrian paths. Our buses should be electric and regulated.

“Our manifesto has a pledge to give all authorities control over bus services, as London currently has along with a pledge to fund authorities to improve bus stations. Colchester Bus Station is inadequate in many ways.

“Colchester does not need huge amounts of new development to increase the number of cars driving into town. All the evidence suggests that plonking a new road next to a new development simply adds to pollution and the number of vehicles used.”

Conservative candidate Will Quince said: “Colchester grew too big too fast without the infrastructure to support that growth. That’s why my focus has been on improving Colchester’s transport infrastructure during my time as Colchester’s MP.

“On bigger projects I have led on the A120 and A12 upgrades and on our rail line where we are getting a brand new fleet of trains arriving soon - 1034 carriages at a cost of £1 billion. I have also helped secure £99.9 million for a new A120/A133 link road which will take the pressure off the Ipswich Road and Greenstead roundabouts. “

“More locally I have worked with Essex County Council to address the bottlenecks like Colne Bank Avenue and the Ipswich Road roundabout.

“I know roadworks are a pain but they represent tens of millions of pounds of investment into our road system and the Colne Bank Avenue changes show what a positive impact the end result has.

“I secured longer opening hours for Colchester’s Park and Ride and am looking at ways to improve bus service and cycling provision in Colchester. Getting Colchester moving always has been and always will be one of my key priorities.”