The A120 is one of Essex's most vital roads, and a lifeline for commuters and businesses across our county. But between Braintree and Colchester, a motorway volume of traffic is forced onto what is effectively a minor country road.
The A120 needs to be dualled and re-routed. The single carriageway stretch between Braintree and Marks Tey is one of the most dangerous roads in the country and it is no longer fit for purpose. A Freedom of Information request revealed 27 deaths in 26 years on the stretch between Great Dunmow and Marks Tey. I cannot remember the last year that went by without a serious or fatal accident on this road.
Essex Highways estimated the upgrade could unlock up to 20,000 jobs and around 32,500 new homes, while a public consultation in 2018 of 2,795 respondents found four out of five people supported upgrading the A120 to a dual carriageway.
Despite being earmarked for improvement since 2017, the A120 dualling scheme has been repeatedly delayed and pushed back. Now Labour have gone one step further, they have not deferred this scheme, they have removed it from the pipeline entirely, citing 'affordability and deliverability challenges.
A modern, dualled road would mean safer journeys, quicker travel times and would unlock a corridor of economic opportunity the entire length of the route, attracting investment, creating jobs and allowing Essex to fulfil its role as the gateway to global trade.
I called for this in my maiden speech in Parliament. The case has always been crystal clear. We need a road that is safe, efficient and fit for the future, and we need to stop delaying and start delivering.
Since coming to power, Labour have let this part of Essex down, but let’s show them how strongly we feel about getting the A120 dualled.
Sir James Cleverly MP, is calling on the Labour Government to:
1. Reverse its decision to remove the A120 dualling scheme from the Road Investment Strategy pipeline immediately.
2. Commit to funding the dualling of the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey as a matter of urgency.
Please add your name and sign my petition to force the Government to reverse their decision.