Issues and Options Document

I have had discussions with ECC who stated that what buses run, when they run and what routes they run on is a commercial matter for bus operators over which ECC have no influence, so relying on ECC to improve and encourage local bus use is pointless. RDC should therefore consider funding or co-funding local bus routes. Small "minibus" type services have been adopted in other parts of the country and are a vital lifeline to many.

Improvements in infrastructure should occur before or at the same time as the development. For example, it has been suggested that improvements to access and additional roundabouts to access the new Hullbridge development will only occur AFTER a significant part of the development has been completed. This is much too late.
A bond should be lodged by the developer in an escrow account and the funds released only on satisfactory completion. This will avoid developers failing to complete agreed improvements and the cost of bringing legal action against the developer by the Local Authority being too high to make it worthwhile pursuing the developer.