BRITAIN'S first inquiry into the quality of a major trunk road will focus on the A12.

BRITAIN'S first inquiry into the quality of a major trunk road will focus on the A12.

The inquiry, which begins today, will look at ways of alleviating current congestion levels and make recommendations for enhancing the level of service to all of the road's users.

Chaired by a former head of the Department for Transport Sir David Rowlands, the inquiry is believed to be the first of its kind in Britain into a major trunk route.

Sir David said: “I am delighted to be announcing today the membership and remit for my inquiry into the A12.

Together with my colleagues Professor Stephen Glaister, Dr David Quarmby and Lord Whitty, I will now carry out a thorough investigation of the A12 with a view to recommending a way forward to relieve congestion in the future.”

Essex County Council is carrying out the inquiry on the notoriously congested road which runs from London, through Essex and Suffolk, to Great Yarmouth.

The road is owned and operated by the Highways Agency and runs for 121 miles between London and East Anglia, although the government has recently devolved responsibility for the upgrading of the road to the East of England Regional Assembly.

The inquiry is due to begin hearing evidence on April 17 and the closing date for written evidence and comments from the public will be on 19 May with the final report being released in July.

The public will be able to see updates on the inquiry posted on the website: www.essexcc.gov.uk/A12inquiry and the public will be able to fill in a feedback form online or by writing to the inquiry. An email address: a12inquiry@essexcc.gov.uk will also be provided for people to contact Sir David and his team