A PARK-and-ride scheme and radical improvements to A127 junctions are being investigated in an effort to curb Southend's congestion woes.

Southend Council and regeneration company Renaissance Southend are in line for £600,000 of Government funding for an in-depth study into road and parking improvements.

The cash injection marks a huge step forward in persuading the Government that action is needed to tackle congestion in the borough.

The work will focus on park-and-ride schemes, including one at Southend Airport, studies of junctions along the A127 and design work on two proposed bike routes in the town.

John Lamb, Southend Council cabinet member for business regeneration, said: "We are looking at a whole range of options for park-and-ride to try to relieve the amount of traffic coming into Southend.

"We have been talking with c2c and also we are looking at the planned new rail station at the airport if it has an adequate amount of car parking.

"The proposed study is even more important, as it will also look at the town centre and ways of improving the road junctions along the A127."

Rochford and Southend East Tory MP James Duddridge has campaigned for action to tackle the pinchpoints that cause traffic chaos at A127 junctions at Rochford Road, Kent Elms Corner and The Fairway, in Leigh.

He said: "On the doorstep, it is plain that the east-to-west traffic problems are the things which concern the general public more than anything else.

"With the work currently going on at Fossetts Farm, you can see straight away how serious the problems can be.

"If we can achieve work on the major junctions along the A127, then it will bring new life into Southend."

Giles Tofield, head of regeneration at Renaissance Southend, said the Department for Communities and Local Government had approved the £600,000 handout in principle.

However, finishing touches were needed for the final business plan before the cash could be awarded.

Mr Tofield said the study could be linked with the South Essex Rapid Transport system being planned by Thames Gateway to connect fast bus services with park-and-ride sites.

He added: "If we are to achieve the regeneration which we desperately need in Southend, then it is essential this study goes forward to try and get the funding needed to achieve the major works."

Mike Assenheim, chairman of the Coalition of Borough Residents' Associations, welcomed the proposed study.

He said: "It is obvious to everyone in Southend that something has to be done and, if this brings it a step nearer, then it can only be to the good."