Route signing in Thurrock
On 12 February 2025 Thurrock Council adopted its first LCWIP (Local Walking & Cycling Infrastructure Plan) – see Thurrock Cabinet decision on LCWIP. This was based on extensive research by TI over the previous 18 months. We looked at conditions for walking and cycling across Thurrock, especially in its main town centres like Grays, Tilbury and Stanford le Hope.
M25 junction
Thurrock has historically been largely influenced by the needs of freight and industry which dominate areas along the River Thames, as well as by major road corridors such as the Dartford Crossing and the A13. But it’s also home to 176,000 people, as well as many others who work or shop in Thurrock.
Existing cycle track in Thurrock
The adopted LCWIP sets out ambitious plans for improved walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, including proposals for new routes and widespread 20mph limits in urban areas.
Key Activities by Transport Initiatives
Cycle parking & wayfinding in Stanford le Hope
TI started work on the LCWIP in early 2024. We had previously carried out a large Walking & Cycling Network Review for South Essex Active Transport. This included Southend, Castle Point and Rochford as well as Thurrock, and also looked at cycle parking and wayfinding.
Work carried out on the LCWIP included:
1. Scoping
Cycking levels in Thurrock
TI carried out an initial scoping exercise to determine the extent of the LCWIP. This led to a focus on the main settlements in the west and south of the borough, especially along the River Thames.
2. Policy Background
Transport East strategy
We described the national, regional and local policies which supported an increased focus on active travel, including the developing Local Plan and the Transport East’s 2023-2050 Transport Strategy
3. Existing Conditions
Cycling & walking levels
we analysed data from a wide range of sources, including the 2021 Census and Sport England’s 2022-23 Active Lives Survey (published in mid 2024). We already had data on the exiting walking and cycling network from our previous work.
4. Future Plans
Barriers on walking & cycle route
A large amount of development is planned in Thurrock which needed to be taken into account. As well as residential and business development sites, National Highways has set out proposals for the Lower Thames Crossing .
5.Network Development
Proposed network
Based on these inputs, we worked with Urban Movement to develop a series of recommendations for walking and cycling measures across the borough. The proposals included a number of different types of intervention:
- Crossings & junctions
- Protected cycle facilities
- School Streets
- Low traffic streets / 20mph limits
- Accessibility improvements
Detailed plans were produced for each settlement, setting out the proposals.
6. Prioritisation
Proposals in Grays Thurrock
We then worked with Thurrock to prioritise the interventions, reflecting the council’s priorities such as Place Need Classification (areas of greatest physical activity or social need).
7. Stakeholder Engagement
Engagement
This was led by Thurrock in mid 2024, using Commonplace. We analysed the responses and made changes to the scope and detail of proposals. In particular, more attention was given to links to areas in the north of the borough which will be the focus of major development in future years.
8. Production of the LCWIP document
Led by UM, we produced a public facing document setting out the background and plans in a clear and easy to read format.
