Highways chiefs are trying to combat the ongoing A12 traffic chaos... with a huge advertising campaign

The Highways Agency is taking out newspaper ads urging drivers to steer clear of the A12 at Witham until bridge repairs are completed.

A spokeswoman said it was unusual for them to advertise roadworks.

She added: "We don't do it a lot for this sort of thing but we felt that more advertising was appropriate in this instance. We are trying to be pro-active and warn as many drivers as possible."

The adverts repeat warnings of "very long delays" at peak periods and urge motorists to avoid the area if possible.

Drivers who ignored the advice were caught in horrendous ten-mile tailbacks on Monday - the first time the contraflow system was operated in rush-hour traffic.

Since then delays have reduced significantly as drivers stagger journey times and use alternative routes.

Road signs warning drivers of delays have gone up as far as 40 miles away from Witham in a bid to ease congestion.

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