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As you will be aware the Highways Agency is
responsible for managing the motorway and trunk road network and its interest with transport matters in and around Southend is to ensure that the M25 and A 13 can continue to operate in a safe and satisfactory manner. In broad terms, the emerging options are supported by the Highways Agency as at this early stage of development they appear to be consistent with the government policy of managing transport through sustainable methods, particularly with the encouragement of people to take appropriate journeys by appropriate means.

The only aspect I would like to comment on, on which there appears to be no specific reference, is the need for a holistic approach to the Central Area Action Plan DPD. The Highways Agency is keen that there is joined up thinking with all the highway authorities along the A 13 corridor, to ensure there is consistency in approach in managing the route and that any unnecessary trips are managed down. There is little point in developing effective plans when there is a mismatch with those being developed in adjacent areas. Indeed in some situations, there may be a need for solutions which are jointly funded and developed.