CHELMSFORD MP Simon Burns has said the A12 should be converted into a motorway to help motorists and businesses.

The Conservative brought the issue up during the Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin's question time in the House of Commons on Thursday March 20.

Mr Burns, a former transport minister, asked whether his political colleague would consider turning the dual carriageway into a motorway in a bid to ease congestion and help traffic to flow better.

Mr McLoughlin said the point raised by the Chelmsford MP was an "interesting suggestion".

Speaking afterwards, Mr Burns said: "All too often, particularly during the rush hours, there is considerable congestion on the road.

"Given that half of the A12 from the M25 to Chelmsford is three lanes, as a way of reducing congestion, I would like to see the road widened to three lanes throughout the County.

"This would improve road connectivity in Essex and beyond."

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE IDEA FROM MR BURNS? CALL US WITH YOUR THOUGHTS ON 01375 411524 OR EMAIL GEORGE.THORPE@NQE.COM