TRANSPORT in Chelmsford is to get a £15million shot in the arm to become the “best in class”.

Essex County Council have laid out plans that would see the city split into three zones to focus on the improvements to improve journey times for those using key routes into the city centre by 2020, including motorists, bus and rail users, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The money would be used for improvements including bus lanes and signage.

In the outer zone – the outskirts of the city – cars will still be the predominant means of travel, so drivers choosing to use the roads into the city will be encouraged onto the most appropriate routes into the city centre with improved signage.

In the mid zone, people will be encouraged to make trips into and out of the city centre by bike or bus. A number of bus and cycle routes have been earmarked for potential improvements, such as Baddow Road, Broomfield Road and New London Road.

Then in the central zone – the city centre – the aim is to make the environment more pedestrian-friendly for shoppers and visitors.

Councillor Rodney Bass, in charge of infrastructure, said: “Many of the key routes into Chelmsford city centre are congested, especially during the peak periods, with specific problems at junctions.

“Although the bus and cycling networks are extensive and serve the city well there are a number of key improvements required. The railway station is also at capacity at peak times and in need of environmental improvements.”

The improvements will be a welcome relief to those in the city, with another 14,000 homes expected to be built in Chelmsford over the next 20 years.

The projects are expected to be delivered between spring 2017 and spring 2020.