Priti Patel, the Conservative Party’s Parliamentary Candidate for Witham, has welcomed the constructive and positive response from the public to the consultation to the proposed A12 widening scheme between Chelmsford and Marks Tey. The £250 million scheme was approved by the Conservative Government as a key infrastructure project and was secured in response to Priti campaigning for the road to be upgraded to reduce congestion and improve safety. Highways England received over 900 responses to the consultation which took place earlier this year and over 1,800 people attended the public exhibitions which were organised. Further engagement will take place with stakeholders on next steps after the General Election. Priti said:
“The widening of the A12 is one of the most important infrastructure projects in the East of England. It will unlock thousands of new jobs, support economic growth and make journeys safer for residents and businesses who use the road. The widening scheme shows the commitment of the Conservative Government to invest in this part of Essex.”
“There is overall support for the scheme to take place and the public responses I have seen were constructive in highlighting local impacts and other matters that should be addressed to maximise the benefits of the scheme. The widening of the A12 should also act as a catalyst to improve local connections to the A12 and for new schemes to be put in place to ease congestion in villages including Hatfield Peverel, Kelvedon and Feering.”