Pam Cox MP Backs Smarter Roadworks Planning for Colchester

Pam Cox, Labour MP for Colchester, has welcomed Colchester Council’s action to tackle the chaos caused by poorly coordinated roadworks, calling for a new era of accountability, transparency, and practical governance.

The motion, passed at last night’s Full Council meeting, was proposed by Labour Councillor Tim Young and seconded by Councillor Jocelyn Law. It calls on Essex County Council to work more effectively with utility companies and highways engineers to reduce disruption and improve traffic flow across Colchester.

Yellow "Diverted Traffic" sign indicating a left turn, secured with a sandbag, placed on a rainy roadside.

It follows weeks of disruption for Colchester motorists and gridlock across the city. Road users have been hit by major roadworks for the RTS scheme as well as a range of routine and emergency works by utility companies.

Pam Cox has heard complaints from motorists, bus passengers and bus companies about the disruption caused.

Pam Cox MP said:

“This is exactly the kind of practical, everyday issue that matters to people in Colchester — and it’s exactly the kind of issue that needs tackling. Residents are rightly frustrated by the endless roadworks, overlapping closures, and lack of clear communication. It’s time Essex County Council and utility companies took responsibility for the mess and started putting residents first.”

Holding Essex County Council to Account

Pam Cox criticised Essex County Council’s failure to coordinate infrastructure works, which has led to repeated and unnecessary disruption:

“We’ve seen too many examples of utility works and road repairs happening back-to-back — or even at the same time — on the same stretch of road. It’s not just inefficient, it’s disrespectful to the people who live and work here and pay their taxes. Essex County Council must do better.” 

Labour Leadership at the City Council

The motion reflects Labour’s role putting residents and communities first at Colchester City Council Pam Cox praised the initiative shown by Labour councillors:

“This is Labour delivering for Colchester. Labour Councillors, including Tim Young (Greenstead) and Jocelyn Law (Highwoods) are showing what good councillors are all about— listening to residents, identifying the problem, and taking action.”

Launching the “Right Time, Right Road Charter”

To build on the momentum of the council’s motion, Pam Cox is proposing a new initiative: the Colchester Right Time, Right Road Charter — a formal agreement between Essex County Council, utility providers, local councillors, and residents.

“The Charter will set clear expectations for how and when roadworks are planned, how residents are informed, and how disruption is minimised. It’s about transparency, accountability, and respect for the people of Colchester.”

 “Everyone using the roads – car drivers, bus passengers, cyclists –wants to see improvements and understand works are necessary but they must be better planned to prevent Colchester grinding to a halt.”