THE A12 inquiry held its first day of hearings on the troubled road.

On Thursday last week, several people were questioned on the A12, headed by chair of the inquiry Sir David Rowlands and his panel of commissioners.

There will be a further two days of evidence from specially invited witnesses in May, while residents can offer their views on the inquiry's website.

Neil Gulliver, who looks after planning and building control in Chelmsford, was one of the people invited to give his views.

He said: "I was quizzed about whether I'd support using variable speed limits at peak times and about whether there was any scope for the removal of junctions to aid the flow.

"Not all of it is about extra road. From Chelmsford's point of view, just getting people to the A12 and the outskirts of Chelmsford is not enough.

"The infrastructure doesn't stop when they leave the A12, the importance is probably greater when you leave."

Keith Francis, the Essex Lib Dem transport spokesman, said: "For transport plans to be sustainable, we must place much greater emphasis on providing viable alternative forms of transport "That means accelerated park and ride provision, much improved bus and coach services and complete networks of walking and cycling routes.

"We would also like to see more investment into rail services and we're especially keen to look at measures to encourage rail use for freight, to reduce the number of heavy lorries on the A12."

West Chelmsford MP Simon Burns also gave evidence on the problems he saw with the road.

He said: "I told them there were serious problems with the A12, primarily congestion, safety issues and disruption caused over the last 15 years by a whole series of major road works and improvements.

"This is costing businesses as it's a main feeder road into the ports and there are problems for commuters.

"The road should be adopted as a national road, so the Government is the responsible for improving and maintaining the road. From the M25 to Colchester there should be three lanes."

The next day of the hearings will be on May 1 at County Hall, from 10am. For more information visit www.essex.gov.uk/a12inquiry.