Councillors in Southend on Sea, Essex, are set to make decisions on transport, licensing, regeneration and public services that could reshape the city. Southend City Council’s cabinet met yesterday (7 September) to consider reports on taxi licensing, drug and alcohol treatment, regeneration projects and council finances.
A new taxi licensing policy would set one framework for driver conduct, vehicle standards, safeguarding and operator responsibilities, reports the Southend Echo.
It would introduce penalty points for licence holders and require disability-awareness training, DBS checks and English-language skills. Councillors will be asked to approve the policy and recommend it to the full council.
Councillors will also review the impact of the Better Queensway project (pictured) after a motion called for action over construction disruption. Consultants Pell Frischmann found temporary, localised disruption but no widespread or severe impact on the wider road network. Air quality stayed within legal limits.
The cabinet will consider plans to improve communication with residents and limit disruption from future major projects.
In total Southend has been allocated nearly £39.8 million for transport projects between 2026 and 2030. The plan earmarks £12.36 million for local transport, £10.5 million for highways maintenance and £7.51 million for bus services, plus money for cycling, electric-vehicle charging and a new airport bus link to the Travel Centre.
The cabinet will consider approving the plan and allowing officers to update it as priorities change.
(Picture: Southend City Council)
