A PLANNED A127 “congestion charge” must be scrapped in a bid to save businesses fighting to survive the coronavirus pandemic.

The Government has set out an ambition for the charge to be implemented a section if the A127, between the Fortune of War and Pound Lane junction after reports revealed levels of Nitrogen Dioxide were exceeding air quality limits.

A 50mph zone has already been put in place to tackle the problem and Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, has now called for the charge plan to be scrapped in light of the impact lockdown has had on businesses.

The Labour boss has written to Rebecca Pow MP, Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

In his letter Mr Callaghan said: “I strongly urge you to remove the threat of an additional form of taxation on our businesses who are already at breaking point due to the crisis, at the earliest possible opportunity.”

He pointed to good progress on exploring options for an engineering solution to play a part in securing the necessary air quality improvements, such as overhauling junctions.

He added: “I believe that these can be introduced sooner than it will be practical to bring in a charging Clean Air Zone, especially considering the impact of the Covid lockdown.”

Mr Callaghan pointed to areas such as Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, where charging zone plans have been deferred, adding: “I am imploring the government to formally announce the relaxation of its pursuit of a disproportionate ‘silver bullet’ solution to deal with the discrete area of exceedance in East Mayne in favour of a targeted, more nuanced and less punitive approach.

“We are evaluating our options for submitting bids on subjects such as cycleway improvements, e-cargo bike schemes and e-scooter trials. We see that these will have a significant positive impact on our local area, not only in improving air quality, but sustainable active travel which of course brings its own benefits.”