Does Essex need a new road?

“Of course they need a new road, but the issue is where can they put one?

“It’s not just the A127, the A13 is jam-packed going up to Sadlers Farm at peak hours. They have previously spoken about a bypass around Billericay and we really need that.

“If you go up Noak Road on some days, there’s traffic backed up from Sun Corner to Kennel Lane and back – completely gridlocked. And the High Street regularly jams up on Sundays.

“There are just not enough roads here to cope with the amount of cars.”

DAVE CLIFT, 66, PRESIDENT OF SOUTHEND LICENSED TAXI DRIVERS’ ASSOCIATION

“There are only two roads on and two roads off Canvey. The roads are quite adequate, providing nothing is going on. We have had it before, especially in the winter, when they become impassable.

“If there was a third road, that would become impassable as well. I think something needs doing with the A13 going out of town, especially in Leigh and Hadleigh down to Tarpots.

“That seems to throw things up, which forces people on to the A127.

I avoid going in and out of Southend at rush hour like the plague.

“I drove back and forth to my business in Wickford for 15 years and that was enough for me.”

ALF PAPWORTH, 81, OF ASHDOWN CRESCENT, IN HADLEIGH, IS A ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNER

“I think a new road needs to be built. It is needed to ease the congestion.

“The A127 is ridiculous. It’s a madhouse and it can be frightening at times, because there are so many cars and they really try to speed through.”

“Drivers don’t care and they take no notice of the road signs or speed limits. It’s very dangerous.

“A new road is needed as there are just too manymotorists using the A127.”

RICHARD TOOMEY, MD OF NOT-FOR-PROFIT CYCLING SHOP AND CYCLING ADVOCACY ORGANISATION, THE COMFY SADLEE, IN SOUTHEND

“Where would it go? I can’t imagine there would be space. I can’t imagine where the space is.

“Even with just the two corridors, the A127 and the A13, it’s really tight. I’d like to see plans if there is a reasonable suggestion there.

“My feeling is the density within Southend is too high to accommodate a third road. Part of our intention is to encourage cycling and other forms of sustainable transport, such as buses.

“We encourage people to use sustainable transport for journeys of less than three miles if possible.”

DRIIVING INSTRUCTOR TARIQ MUSAJI RUNS WICKFORD-BASED FARRAH DRIVING SCHOOL

“I think a new road would help, but I think it should be dedicated to commercial traffic.

“If we could get lorries off the A127 and A13, it would ease the burden.

“Drivers have got to take more care and not rush, because at the end of the day that is what causes accidents.

“You have to accept your journey is going to be slow during rush hour, but the most important think is you arrive at your destination safely.

“We can build as many roads as we like, but it would be pointless if motorists don’t take responsibility for road safety.”

PAUL CROUCHER RUNS ROADHOUSE DINER ON THE A127, NEAR THE JUNCTION WITH HOVEFIELDS AVENUE, WICKFORD

“We have major issues with customers getting into the diner when there are accidents and it can kill our trade completely.

“It seems to be more frequent recently and we’ve also had lots of roadworks.

“As far as a new road goes, we would have mixed feelings.

“We need the passing trade, so if you divert traffic away, we would lose some of that.

“But perhaps a road that would divert some of the industrial traffic away would be good.”

BARTHOLOMEW SIMPSON, WHO REGULARLY MOTORBIKES AROUND SOUTH ESSEX

“The Southend-bound carriageway of the A127 is notorious at rush hour.

“The other big problem spot is the A13 around Thurrock.

“It has been reduced to 40mph, but why can’t it be opened up to 50mph or 60mph outside of the time when people are working?

“We definitely need a new road in south Essex.

“I think the biggest priority is an alternative route that would link Basildon and Southend.

“The A127 is bad formotorcyclists when there are queues.

“If the traffic is moving at less than 15mph we are allowed to go through the middle of the traffic, but car drivers get frustrated and change lanes without checking.

“I’ve nearly been knocked off my bike a few times there.”

BILL HICKEY, 48, A LORRY DRIVER WITH TNT IN BASILDON

“I’d definitely be in favour because I work in Basildon and drive home to Southend every night.

“I’m stuck in traffic on the A127 every single night trying to get home. Rayleigh Weir is always gridlocked and it’s always gridlocked just before the Fairglen Interchange, any time from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

“It takes a good 45 minutes to get home, whereas when I leave home at 6.15am, it only takes 15 minutes. Canvey has only got one main road off really and you find if that gets blocked, the back road gets blocked too.”