THE ONGOING furore over traffic congestion on Cambridge Road in Stansted could finally be resolved if requests to Essex County Council are upheld.

Residents and parish councillors have become increasingly incensed about the build-up of vehicles outside the new Tesco Express store which opened in November.

However, at a meeting of the parish council last week it was resolved to ask the county highways department to implement a number of traffic-busting measures, including:

? introducing double yellow lines on the western side of Cambridge Road

? reducing the length of the bus stops

? junction protection markings at the top of Clarence Road

? marked parking bays

? the introduction of a loading bay restriction directly outside Tesco and replacing the double yellow lines. This would mean cars could legally park outside the store between the hours of 6pm to 6am

? reducing the length of stay within the limited waiting areas outside Tesco from one hour to 30 minutes

Parish council chairman Cllr Geoffrey Sell said: “I am under no illusion that this will solve the problem but these measures should help with traffic reduction. The double yellow lines on the west of the junction, near the tennis courts, should make it easier for traffic to move.

“I had a meeting on site with County Highways before Christmas and they were supportive of our proposals. The plans will now go to consultation which can be a lengthy process but I would hope to get something done this year.”

He added: “The main problems will be with enforcement. There will always be some people who will ignore the restrictions and we can’t have people patrolling the street 24 hours a day.

“The feedback I have had from residents so far is that they are happy that we are doing something and listening to their concerns.”

Cllr Sell added that the parish council is set to change the amount of free time in the Crafton Green car park from 30 minutes to one hour and said the council is in talks with Uttlesford District Council about making the same changes to the railway station car park.

? WILL the council’s proposals help improve the traffic flow in Cambridge Road in Stansted? Give us your thoughts. E-mail editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk