Travelling up Nethermayne, in Basildon, I noticed some ground works.

Investigation showed this to be the start of the access road to the golf course “dump”.

Further investigation showed Essex County Council highways department approved this access in 2006.

Since that time extensive work has been done at the hospital roundabout to ease the traffic flow, which has still left the roundabout frequently heavily congested. The traffic must have increased by two or three times since the grant.

As the plan calls for vehicles to enter and leave the access by turning left, this means 80,000-plus large lorries being added to this traffic flow, with any coming from the A13 going all the way round.

As an experienced LGV driver, I can foresee difficulties in making a sharp left turn with a fully loaded long-wheelbase tipper and even more with an articulated one.

It seems strange the county council can turn down a development beside a B road which would involve the occasional car exiting straight on to that road and yet happily permits such a manoeuvre on to what must be one of the busiest roads in the town.

Perhaps someone should re-assess the situation in the light of 2010.

Bob Rust
The Slades
Basildon