CHELMSFORD’S MP Simon Burns has revealed the Government will consider widening the A12.

Patrick McLoughlin, the transport secretary, told him the Government recognises the importance of the A12 and the A120 to the East of England.

The Chelmsford Weekly News recently revealed how Mr Burns had called for the major road, which links Essex, East Anglia and its ports to London, to be widened to three lanes.

And in a meeting, Mr McLoughlin told the MP that in this parliament, the Government was spending around £1billion a year on road improvements. By 2020, that could be £3billion per year.

How that money is spent will be decided by a strategy the Government will publish in Spring next year - but the A12 is high on the agenda owing to its importance to the Eastern region.

Mr Burns said: “I was extremely heartened by the conversation that I had with the Secretary of State.

“This is extremely encouraging news and shows that upgrading the A12 is not merely a pipedream but potentially could become a reality due to its importance as a major road route through Essex into the hinterland of East Anglia and I will continue to press the Government over the coming months.”