At 9.30am Sunday we found ourselves yet again sitting in gridlocked traffic between the two junctions in Ipswich Road.

Our frustration was eliminated when a police officer on a motorbike arrived and turned the traffic lights to face outwards and the gridlock disappeared.

A gold medal to that man for initiative in a very trying situation.

Can we also thank the Daily Gazette for the piece by Katherine Palmer on the underground utilities and the way in which these works have impacted on the program of works, none of which was explained to residents in any detail at the consultation stage.

READ MORE: Crucial cable which controls all of north Essex' electricity is right underneath Ipswich Road roundabout

The fact Essex County Council and the contractors are now looking at ways to improve project delivery and the overall time span is very welcome.

However for those residents living on the "golden triangle" of Harwich Road, Ipswich Road and St Johns Road, we are still being subjected to inappropriate HGV traffic on St Johns Road and poor air quality on all three roads.

We will be monitoring the situation, particularly with regards to HGV traffic above the legal limit using St Johns as a shortcut to the detriment of our residents.

Councillors Helen Chuah and Mike Hogg
St Anne’s St Johns wards