A RESIDENT who was forced to endure the A12 roadworks every day for two years has said there is no deterrent to prevent National Highways from completing projects late and over budget.

Steve Braund, who lives in Queensbury Avenue, Copford, criticised the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) after the Gazette revealed the regulator would not be imposing any sanctions on National Highways for completing the Marks Tey to Stanway resurfacing scheme one year late.

The project was due to be finished in late 2023 at a cost of £33million, but was only completed last month at a cost of £44million.

Asked whether he thought National Highways should have been sanctioned, Mr Braund, 71, said: “Most certainly. I drove down the A12 roadworks over a bank holiday weekend – nobody was working.

“There was thousands of pounds’ worth of machinery left idle, which would have been on hire – there was no management or control.

“The roadworks should not have gone on as long as they did.

“What’s the incentive to deliver the project in time and in cost?

“They can do it as cheaply as they can because there is no action against them if they overrun on time or cost.

“Most private contractors would invite a cost or time penalty – but apparently not the A12.”

National Highways was contacted for comment.