Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an estimate of levels of congestion on (a) the A12 between junctions 19 and 25; and (b) the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey in each of the next 15 years compared to current levels.

National Highways is currently undertaking a study on the A12 (junctions 19 to 25) that includes an assessment of current and future congestion levels on the corridor. This study is expected conclude by the end of this year.

National Highways is not currently undertaking a specific study to assess levels of congestion on the A120 corridor in each of the next 15 years compared to current levels.

The Local Plan process requires Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to assess the impacts of proposed growth allocations, including impacts on the Strategic Road Network (SRN). The LPAs of Chelmsford, Braintree, and Colchester are all in the process of updating their respective Local Plans. This work is ongoing and continues to build towards a fuller understanding of potential future impacts.