AN MP has demanded the ongoing traffic chaos in Rayleigh is “sorted”.

The delays have come after three new housing developments have caused roadworks and closures, forcing traffic to drive through the centre of town.

Residents are complaining it takes 45 minutes to get in and out of the town during rush hour and are preparing to publish a petition this week.

Meanwhile, Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, has called for Essex Highways and the developers “to do more” after the closure of Watery Lane, Hullbridge, and the introduction of contraflow systems on Rawreth Lane and London Road.

Francois posted a video on social media, stating that the “traffic chaos” must be sorted, he said: “All three developments have coincided with the schools going back. All the buses have come at once. I’ve contacted Essex Highways. They have got to do better than this.”

The Tory MP explained the steps he has taken to sort the traffic delays in the town, adding: “I’m encouraging Highways to get on the developers’ back.

"I’ve spoken to the developers personally and urged them to put more resources in to getting the work done as fast as humanly possible. London Road should be finished by the end of the week and the contraflow on Rawreth Lane won’t be open during the rush hour in the mornings and evenings.”

A spokesman from the Rayleigh Residents’ Association told the Echo the petition will be on behalf of every single Rayleigh resident. He said: “We want it discussed at a full council meeting.

“We’re calling for all developments in Rayleigh to be stopped, until the infrastructure in the town is improved.

“They can’t keep just building new homes.

“The traffic situation is horrendous. It’s a disgrace. There are rumours the roadworks won’t be finished on time.”

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader at Essex County Council, apologised for the travel issues in Rayleigh and thanked residents for their patience, he said: “We are working to resolve these issues as a matter of urgency.

“We are continuing to monitor traffic congestion along these routes every morning.

“I am confident that, despite the increase in school traffic, the situation will improve.”

A spokesperson for Countryside said: "Our work to create a new access junction on Rawreth Lane is being carried out as quickly as possible and in accordance with the permit issued by Essex County Council.

"We’ll continue to take every opportunity to minimise disruption for the local community where practicable.

“Since the work began, we’ve been manually controlling the lights and removing them as often as possible to minimise disruption.

"However, since the return of the schools this week, we have put additional restrictions in place to ensure the lights are only used outside of peak hours which we hope will further improve the situation.

"Unfortunately, due to the nature of this work, some disruption is unavoidable however we recognise, and very much appreciate, the patience shown by the local community.

"We expect the work on Rawreth Lane to be completed during October and will continue to monitor the situation carefully.”

A spokesperson for Barratt and David Wilson Homes said: “We are undertaking significant works to construct a new roundabout on Lower Road which will help improve the traffic flow in the local area once complete.

“In order to minimise disruption we have now applied to Essex County Council Highways to extend our working hours.

"In addition, we will also re-open Watery Lane utilising traffic control, subject to Essex County Council Highways approval.

“We appreciate residents’ patience during this time and apologise for any inconvenience caused. As a leading housebuilder it is of the upmost importance that we work safely and to a high standard.”

Silver City Estates was also approached for comment.