DRIVERS are being deterred from using Colchester’s new A12 junction, it has been claimed.

The £11.2million junction 28 was heralded as the first crucial step in a series of improvements to relieve the town’s congestion.

But signposts on the A12 only direct motorists to Colchester General Hospital – despite the junction providing a key route to Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium and the Severalls Lane business park.

Transport bosses don’t want drivers using the new junction until more work is done to relieve congestion, says ward councillor Martin Goss.

He added: “Until the link road to the Northern Approach is there, they don’t really want people using the junction, because all the traffic will go along Mill Road.”

But the situation has caused frustration for Colchester United, as the new junction is the quickest route to the club from the A12.

General manager Tim Waddington, said: “We continue to have conversations with the relevant organisations to see if we can resolve the situation.

“It seems unusual that one of the key sport and business venues in the region is not clearly signposted.

“Furthermore, on match days in particular, this signage could potentially also alleviate rather than worsen the traffic in the town, if people are coming directly off the A12.”

The new junction will eventually connect to the Northern Approach Road, via a new link road.

Work on the £9million road is due to start in the coming weeks.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “The agency is planning to install signage to the stadium on a date to be agreed. And, to ensure that disruption on the network is kept to a minimum, we will look to carry out this work at the same time as other, planned roadworks on the A12.”