
Commenting on the Government's decision to cancel the A12 widening scheme, Councillor Louise McKinlay, said:
"It is hugely disappointing to hear news that the Government has decided to cancel the A12 Junction 19 to Junction 25 widening scheme. As I and other council leaders and MPs in Essex have set out to the Government previously, the project is essential to support the ambitious plans for new homes, jobs and economic growth that we share. We know that major infrastructure projects can have significant wider benefits. Essex County Council, and I am sure many of our partners, are concerned that this decision could have a significant, adverse impact on economic prosperity across Essex and the wider region for many years to come.
“The 16 mile stretch of the A12 between Chelmsford and Colchester is widely acknowledged as being unfit for purpose; indeed a recent satisfaction survey by Transport Focus rated the A12 as the worst A-road in the country following a survey of 9,000 road users. It is frankly essential that improvements to this vitally important corridor are made. I will be seeking an urgent meeting with Government ministers to discuss how the opportunity presented by the widening project, which has been many years in the making, is not lost.
“Having previously decided not to progress an upgrade to the A120, which is the other key corridor in Essex managed by National Highways in much need of improvement, if the Government does not now deliver any of the consented and previously-committed works needed on the A12 corridor this would represent a double-whammy for Essex which we must avoid.”
In respect of the Government’s reaffirmation of funding for two other important projects in Essex, Councillor McKinlay added:
"The funding commitment from Government for both the Army and Navy Sustainable Transport Package and the Fairglen Interchange scheme is very welcome. These will deliver significant benefit and are actively being progressed by the County Council. However the A12 widening scheme is crucial for realising the scale of growth planned in Essex in the coming years.”