THE Fortune of War junction could be straightened within the next few years... but only if the Government stumps up the cash.

A study has confirmed the controversial “roundabout” could be straightened - as long as the Government pays for it.

Diagrams obtained exclusively by the Echo show a new footbridge could be built over the A127, along with a new slip road, joining from High Road, Laindon, travelling towards London.

The existing slip road to get onto High Road from Southend will also be extended.

Essex County Council has now “expressed its interest” in straightening the controversial roundabout, and has asked the Government for funds to carry out the work.

The move comes two months after a controversial 50mph was put in place between the junction and Pound Lane in a bid to cut emissions.

Mark Francois, Tory MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, who has campaigned to straighten the Fortune of War, told the Echo: “I have been campaigning for ages that the best way to improve traffic flow on the A127 and address air quality is to straighten what is left of the old Fortune of War roundabout at Laindon.

“I am pleased to see that Essex County Council, in response to my request to carry out an engineering feasibility study, have appeared to have come up with a solution.

“I will continue to press on this so this can go ahead within the next few years. This won’t be an overnight job. They need to refine the plans and receive the funding.”

Kerry Smith, deputy leader at Basildon Council, has also campaigned to get the roundabout straightened.

He said: “I’m really pleased this has been done. It’s taken nine months, but better late than never I suppose. This is what’s needed for Basildon.

“I only challenged Essex County Council a month ago on the Fortune of War. I’ve been giving them grief about it for a while now.

“We have three MPs who can help. I suggest they drop everything immediately as this is a priority.

“The threat of a congestion charge has clearly acted as a wake-up call.

“This means that the Government will look stupid if it introduces the congestion charge. It isn’t necessary.

“This now halves the problems on the A127.

“It’s really excellent news, and about time.”

Bosses at Basildon Council revealed in September, last year, that the feasibility study would be taking place, with Mark Francois first calling for the study a month earlier.

Mr Francois stated at the time that straightening the A127 at Fortune of War would “fix the road’s emission problems”.

Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, met with Environment Minister, Dr Therese Coffey at the time, to oppose plans for a congestion charge and discuss “the merits” of straightening the roundabout.

An Essex County Council spokesman confirmed: “The study into the works at the Fortune of War junction has been completed.

“Essex County Council has submitted an expression of interest to Government for funding of the work.”

The 50mph speed limit on the A127 must be scrapped if the Fortune of War is straightened, leading councillors have insisted.

The unpopular limit between the Fortune of War and Pound Lane, was put in place in January in a bid to cut emissions.  However, it is stressed that no decisions have been taken on the future of the 50mph limit.  Kevin Buck, a Southend councillor who has spoken against the new 50mph speed limit, told the Echo how his own investigation proves that the speed limit is not necessary.

He said: “The 50mph speed limit isn’t reducing emissions.  “With improvements to how cars are built, emissions are reducing gradually over time.

“I drive along that stretch to the M25 a lot.  “I’ve looked at the average fuel consumption of my car before and after it was introduced.

“It’s dropped by two miles. This means that it’s using more fuel to do the same amount of distance.

“The average speed is now 44mph, when it used to be between 50mph and 60mph.”

Mr Buck, who shadows the highways and transport portfolio in Southend, also called for the new limit to be removed.  Mr Buck, a transport consultant by profession, added: “The 50mph limit does nothing. It is just not needed.

“It has to go if the Fortune of War is straightened. It needs to be put back to 70mph.

“A number of issues will be solved. It will definitely help solve the emissions crisis.

“Nothing has been done on the A127 for 70 years.”

“To do nothing is unacceptable.

He added: “The study should have happened years ago, in my opinion.

“I do welcome Essex County Council’s actions however.”

Kerry Smith, deputy leader at Basildon Council, also called for the 50mph speed limit to be scrapped.  He said: “The speed limit must be removed if the road is straightened.

“It must be changed from 50mph to 70mph.

“Both the 40mph and 50mph sections must go.”