HUNDREDS of frustrated residents have signed a petition calling for an immediate review of changes made to the roads in Colchester due to coronavirus.

In just three days more than 1,200 people have signed the petition, which is titled Our Town, Our Roads, and calls for the one-lane closure at North Station Roundabout to be immediately removed.

The petition, set up by Richard Pearce, also calls for other Covid measures to be reviewed and the devolution of highways powers to Colchester councillors.

It says: “The residents of Colchester are angry and frustrated at the state of our roads in our town. From the Ivory Tower in Chelmsford, Essex Highways dictates what happens, where it happens and when, imposing its will on the residents of Colchester with no consultation.

“During the lockdown Essex Highways decided to close one lane on the North Station roundabout on the A134 Southbound for ‘social distancing’.

“With the lockdown now over and businesses on their knees Essex Highways has decided to make this change semi-permanent despite hundreds of complaints. This is one of the busiest roundabouts in Colchester the lane closure is causing a huge increase in congestion and pollution.”

Essex Highways boss Kevin Bentley said as a resident and borough councillor he understood the impact of the measures.

“It is important to remember that these measures are designed to support residents with social distancing, which is as important as ever in our efforts to prevent further spread of Covid-19,” he said.

“In addition, they provide us with a unique opportunity to change our travel habits, moving away from cars as the default transport option and allowing people to choose more sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling, which promotes healthier living – something which will improve the lives of residents and the environment.”

“We all have a collective and moral responsibility to make whatever changes we can, whether this is choosing to walk or cycle for shorter journeys rather than travel by car, and helping to contribute to improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.

“As a county council, we have a responsibility to ensure the right infrastructure is in place to allow residents to do this.

“I’m looking forward to continuing work with colleagues at the borough council, as well as residents and campaigners to continue to improve conditions and achieve our vision for a cleaner, safer and greener Colchester.”

Visit https://bit.ly/2QjtYzN.