TODAY, we are pleased to be launching a new campaign – A120: Road to Safety – to highlight the ongoing concerns about a road which continues to impact the lives of residents and motorists while having major implications for the county’s economy.
There are many issues with the A120 – particularly the stretch between Marks Tey and Braintree – including high volumes of traffic causing congestion and bottlenecks; confusing junctions and reckless driving; and fundamentally, creating a barrier to economic growth.
This campaign has two key objectives: First, to raise awareness about the need for safety measures; and second, to put the A120 dualling scheme back on the agenda, reminding us why it is desperately needed.
And there is nothing that illustrates this quite so starkly as the statistic revealed by the Gazette today which shows 25 people lost their lives in 25 years on the section between Marks Tey and Braintree.
Safety along the A120 is a key issue which the authorities are well aware of. This year they have installed speed cameras along both the Braintree and Harwich stretches, which is clearly a positive step forward.
Drivers also have a responsibility to take care on the roads. As a commuter travelling along the A120 every day, I see first-hand instances of reckless driving. This needs to stop.
We must also spare a thought for the residents living in communities along the A120 whose lives are blighted by the congested road every day. For some, they have witnessed the horrific impact of crashes in front of their homes.
Ultimately, the dualling scheme is the answer to the issues. It has been in the pipeline for several years and a government announcement is due in April.
However, following the recent cancellation of the A12 widening scheme, there are significant concerns that the A120 scheme will now be dropped.
This campaign will present the reasons why the scheme is so important – not just for safety but the economy and to provide essential infrastructure at a time when large-scale housing developments are proposed.
It is not the first time a campaign has been launched for the A120. The Gazette’s sister paper the Harwich Standard campaigned for action at two danger junctions on the A120 back in 2012 and 2013.
A petition was set up, which gained more than 600 signatures.
Sir Bernard Jenkin presented the petition to former roads minister Mike Penning in late 2012. and in 2013 it was announced by National Highways a multi-million pound roundabout would be built at the notorious accident blackspot near Pellens Corner.
The £3million roundabout was finally completed in 2019.
This outcome shows the power of campaigning and we look forward to the Road to Safety having a similar impact.
Over the coming weeks, this campaign will provide a platform for residents, businesses, community leaders and elected officials to share their experiences ,and make their voices heard.
It’s time to transform the A120 from a danger zone into a driver of opportunity and prosperity for the whole of Essex.
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