IMPROVING lorry parking, walking and cycling routes and public transport were all top of the agenda as transport funding plans were discussed by councillors.

Thurrock is set to receive about £13.5million over the next five years to spend on roads, working out to about £2.7million each year from the Government.

Thurrock was originally allocated £3.1million for 2010/11, but the Government clawed back £460,000 as part of its cutbacks.

Labour council leader, John Kent, told the cabinet meeting last Wednesday the issue was in the hands of the Government.

He said: “We will have around £2.5million to spend on maintenance and road issues next year, about the same as this year.

“Whatever we do with this money is effectively tinkering around the edges. Until the Government gets its act together and sorts out junction 30/31 and the Dartford Crossing tolls, people will suffer.”

A council report said “funding would be allocated to priority areas to deliver schemes to benefit transport and residents in Thurrock”.

The Local Transport Plan will involve everything from 20mph zones and improving public transport, to access to London Gateway (Shell Haven) and Lakeside and reducing accidents.

Val Morris-Cook, deputy leader, appealed to transport chief Cllr Yash Gupta to remove the weight limit for lorries in Devonshire Road, Chafford Hundred, so it could be used as a by-pass.