THE results of an independent study into the “worst” road in the country are to be revealed today - with a warning that making no improvements is “simply not an option”.

James Hore

THE results of an independent study into the “worst” road in the country are to be revealed today - with a warning that making no improvements is “simply not an option”.

Essex County Council launched its A12 inquiry in April with the intention of finding out exactly what was needed to improve traffic flow and safety.

It was the first council led investigation in the UK to be set up by a local authority into the performance of an existing road.

Speaking to the EADT last night, council leader, Lord Hanningfield, said the opportunity had to be taken now to deal with the “nightmare” road.

He said: “We have to find a solution to make it better - it is terrible for people in Essex and Suffolk and we cannot just carry on regardless.

“Doing nothing is simply not an option - it is unacceptable for it to be so bad and it is unfair for people wanting to get to work, to school, to hospital.”

He said the recommendations would be discussed at the council's cabinet meeting in September with some of the changes being implemented after that.

The inquiry has not been without its detractors and was branded an “expensive publicity stunt” by Colchester's Liberal Democrat MP, Bob Russell.

He declined to give evidence and criticised the council's claim that its money could fund improvements even though the busy trunk road is the responsibility of the Highways Agency.

The three-day inquiry heard from more than 20 organisations, including the Department for Transport, and evidence was given in both Chelmsford and London.

It also received written evidence, including the thoughts of hundreds of members of the public.

Motorists were hit by a series of major delays on the road last year and an insurance company's survey concluded the A12 was the worst in the country.

Sir David Rowlands, who chaired the inquiry, is to reveal the results at County Hall, Chelmsford, today.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “The remit of the A12 Inquiry was to 'review the present and likely future performance of the A12 trunk road in Essex and to make recommendations which will enhance the level of service to all of its users including, where appropriate, improvements to information, emergency arrangements and capacity.'”

In April the council confirmed it would spend its money on the A12 if they inquiry recommended it.