Southend-on-Sea will welcome elite global cyclists for stage four of the AJ Bell Women’s Tour cycling event on Thursday 7 October.
To accommodate the race and to keep the cyclists and spectators safe, various road closures and parking suspensions will be in place across the Borough from 5pm on Wednesday 6 October.
The Southend-on-Sea Stage Four from Shoeburyness to Westcliff-on-Sea, will see international riders set off from East Beach, Shoeburyness at 11am, before heading out into the rural roads of Essex, and reaching the finish line along the seafront in Westcliff from 2pm.
A number of temporary and rolling road closures will be in place on Thursday 7 October, along with parking suspensions and waiting/loading restrictions in place across the Borough from 5pm on Wednesday 6 October until 4.55pm on Thursday 7 October.
Yellow parking suspension and loading/waiting restriction signage has been put up across the areas affected to explain that any vehicles parked in the restricted areas during the time of the suspensions will be issued with a penalty charge notice and then towed to the cul-de sac of Chalkwell Esplanade, Rayleigh Road car park or East Beach car park (Blackgate Road entrance) depending on where they were originally parked.
Vehicles will not be available for collection until after 3pm on Thursday 7 October. A full list of road closures and parking suspensions can be found on our Women's Tour event page. Frequently asked questions can be found on the Visit Southend website.
Cllr Ron Woodley, cabinet member transport, asset management and inward investment, said: “We are thrilled the AJ Bell Women’s Tour will be here in our Borough and it is sure to be an exciting day from start to finish. To ensure those competing, as well as staff and spectators are kept safe, we have had to organise several temporary and rolling road closures and parking suspensions and restrictions across the race route.
“I would urge all of our residents to plan any journeys they have to make on Thursday 7 October around the closures. Any vehicles found parked in the suspended areas will unfortunately need to be towed away for the day, so please do adhere to the notices that are in place. Please also note that the parking suspensions come into effect from 5pm on Wednesday 6 October, so please do take note of the yellow parking signage that has gone up across the areas affected.
“I look forward to seeing the race kick off in Shoeburyness, and I hope lots of residents come down to the start and finish lines to support this incredible event for the Borough.”
The council has worked in partnership with event organisers to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, and is directly contacting as many businesses, schools and residents affected by closures as possible, to allow them to plan for the event. Residents and businesses are urged to consider alternative travel options throughout the day as disruption on the roads is anticipated. Race organisers and the council have also been in contact with the emergency services.
Details of road closures, rolling roadblocks and parking suspensions/restrictions
The details of road closures, rolling roadblocks and parking suspensions/restictions can be found on our AJ Bell Women's Tour events page.
Because of the large footfall anticipated at start and finish locations, the race organisers and the Council will do their utmost to ensure that local businesses can continue trading effectively and capitalise on the interest in the race. Those business who proactively welcome the race’s visit to their local area experience the best trade.
We will make every effort to be as flexible as possible about access to business premises for deliveries ahead on the event. Please contact us and we will consider what special assistance could be arranged. Email womenstour@southend.gov.uk
How can my business get involved?
The Women’s Tour community guide gives examples of successful business activations from historic race days. There are also commercial sponsorship opportunities to support our day of cultural activity. Download the community guide pdf