The Labour Government has admitted it will take over a year to close down the A12 Widening Scheme they cancelled in July. In a written parliamentary answer disclosed in response to a question by Witham MP Priti Patel, a transport minister was forced to explain that “the scheme will be substantially closed down by the end of 2026” but could not give details of the costs. The cancellation of the scheme has had a significant economic impact on Essex, making the county less attractive for business and investment. Priti said:
“Labour have betrayed Essex by cancelling the A12 Widening Scheme, harming our economy and compromising road safety. They have now admitted it will take over a year to close down the scheme at ongoing huge costs to taxpayers. Had they continued with the scheme and the plans left by the last Conservative Government, we’d see the road being built now. Instead, we will be faced with many more years of congestion on our roads and lost opportunities.”
