The local authorities of Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, and Tendring, along with Essex County Council, have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, sharing their joint concern regarding the Government's recent decision to cancel the long-planned A12 widening scheme and calling for an urgent meeting.

Councils have expressed their shared position on the announcement, which was made last week, with it having significant implications for housing, economic and inclusive growth across the region.

This scheme, considered a committed project since 2020, aimed to address the inadequacies of the A12 stretch between Chelmsford and Colchester, which has been consistently ranked as the worst A-road in the country by road users due to issues such as journey time, safety, and road condition.

The letter reinforces that the cancellation of the project not only affects congestion but also hinders the potential for housing development, business growth, and infrastructure improvements across several councils in Essex, including the development of new and updated Local Plans.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: "The cancellation of the A12 widening scheme could not have come at a worse time in the context of higher housing numbers for Maldon District and we need this scheme to support better transport, health, education and social infrastructure and not just new homes."

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, added: "The cancellation of the A12 widening scheme is a significant setback for our region's growth and development. This is why all councils affected by this announcement have come together to urge the government to reconsider this decision and engage with us to find a viable solution.

"The A12 has been ranked the worst A-road in the country by road users, but that is just part of the story – it is much more than easing congestion – it is about unlocking thousands of homes, supporting business and economic growth, and delivering infrastructure-led planning to our residents.

"With Essex being a significant contributor to the UK economy, the region requires the necessary infrastructure investment to support our shared missions to improve transport infrastructure and boost housing and economic growth.

"We will continue to do all we can to maximise the growth potential of Essex and push for essential infrastructure projects, like the A12 widening scheme, not to be abandoned."