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Police ask motorists to be patient as Olympic Torch Relay arrives from Suffolk into Essex later this week. Motorists are advised to check that their normal route will not be affected and if it does to expect some delays in order to ensure the event passes off smoothly.

Short delays can be expected on Friday, July 6 as the Torch arrives in Essex from Ipswich. It will be visiting Colchester, just before 8am, then on to Hatfield Peverel on to Heybridge and Maldon then to Rayleigh before a lunchtime event in Southend on Sea. From here it visits the Olympic Mountain Bike venue in Hadleigh,(2pm) travelling on to Basildon, through Grays, then Herongate and Brentwood (6pm) and up to Hylands Park, Chelmsford. The overnight stop is in Chelmsford where the large evening celebration event ‘Sparks will Fly’ will take place at Hylands House.

Traffic speed restrictions will be in place on the A414 Three Mile Hill and surrounding area for the evening celebration and motorists not attending the concert are recommended to find alternative routes where possible.

On Saturday July 7, just before 7am the convoy travels from Chelmsford to Harlow then out to Waltham Abbey and the Olympic Slalom Canoe Venue in Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire. After visiting a number of towns in Hertfordshire, the Torch returns to Essex through Stansted Mountfitchet, (11.50am) then on to Newport and Saffron Walden(12.30pm), finally leaving the county into Suffolk and Cambridgeshire in the early afternoon.

Roads along some sections of the route may be closed for some time before the torch arrives and until it has passed. There will also be a ‘rolling road closure’ moving with the torch. Traffic control arrangements have been designed to ensure that traffic flows return to normal as quickly as possible after the convoy has passed. Traffic marshals and stewards will be positioned along the route to offer help, advice and directions.

Police are asking motorists to remain patient if the torch is moving through an area where they are driving. Advice boards are in the locations where the Torch will be visiting and motorists are asked to take note of when there will be restrictions in their area. Police would like to thank motorists in advance for their consideration.

Spectators are also advised to plan their journey; allow themselves plenty of time to get to their chosen viewing point and listen to the advice given by traffic marshals and stewards. Police ask spectators to look after their belongings especially bags, purses and phones. In addition, parents are reminded to keep their children close so they are not in danger within the crowds or near to the road. Remember to lock/close windows and doors in your home and car before your leave.

ACC Sue Harrison said: "The Olympic Torch Relay celebrates local heroes, recognising their contribution to society and their achievements. For our local communities and every Torchbearer the Relay represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; it is our job to ensure they, and the spectators, enjoy their moment safely and securely.”

Information and advice will be on the Essex Police website www.essex.police.uk  via the Olympic page; via Facebook.com/essexpoliceuk and via Twitter.com/essexpoliceuk#olympictorch

Read more about the Olympic Torch Relay through Essex>>