CYCLING experts have called on highways bosses to create a "Mini-Holland" in north Colchester by putting tight restrictions on traffic in a bid to increase walking and cycling.
Colchester Cycling Campaign (CCC) has submitted a plan to the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust as part of a public consultation into proposals for a new orthopaedic centre at Colchester Hospital.
The group is calling on the trust and Essex County Council to work together to achieve a raft infrastructure changes as soon as possible.
Member Will Bramhill said in a blog post: "Colchester Cycling Campaign has lodged an idea for a 'Mini-Holland' scheme which will see the Northern Approach Road and Axial Way become the main routes for cars.
"Mini-Hollands already exist in London boroughs, where they have revitalised neighbourhoods and encouraged more people to walk and cycle – especially schoolchildren.
"We hope the idea will be taken up by the town's MP and councillors."
In what would be a first for the UK, CCC wants to see new "residents gates" installed in Turner Road and Mill Road, blocking through traffic except buses and taxis.
The gates would be monitored by ANPR cameras and those living nearby would pay a fee to drive through them, similar to the way residents’ parking works.
Mr Bramhill said: "The benefits will include quieter roads for residents and a level of traffic which will be more conducive to encouraging cycling and walking."
CCC also wants to see access to Colchester Hospital swapped from Turner Road to Northern Approach Road, which along with Axial Way would be the new main route for cars.
The group say there should be no increases in the amount of car parking available at the hospital or nearby Colchester Primary Care Centre and a funded shuttle bus should be run between North Station and Colchester Park and Ride, via Colchester Hospital.
A Mini-Holland scheme launched in Waltham Forest five-years-ago, with the area now having 22km of segregated cycle lanes.
Mr Bramhill said: "CCC hopes that Mile End Community Council will arrange guided tour of Waltham Forest Mini-Holland for interested residents."
He added: "If the trust and council can plough ahead with the plans and consultation it may be able to tap into the Prime Minister's Mini-Holland cash and extend the scope of infrastructure changes."
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