Plans have been unveiled for a new junction to ease congestion on the M11.

Designs for junction 7a, to be located between junction seven at Hastingwood and junction eight at Stansted airport, were shown by Essex County Council as it launched a consultation on its proposals this morning (May 11).

The motorway is often hit by severe delays and congestion can affect surrounding roads in Epping Forest.

It is hoped that a new junction will ease these problems.

Planners also say the junction will “unlock Harlow’s potential” by improving road capacity and connectivity, making it easier to get on and off the motorway.

Infrastructure councillor Rodney Bass said: “It is a big change, but it is necessary, and will benefit everybody in years to come.

“Planned strategic improvements are necessary to support this economic growth.

“By acting now, we can ensure that the area continues to prosper and provide opportunities for years to come.”

The proposals have previously been backed by MP Robert Halfon, whose constituency includes Hastingwood, Matching and Sheering.

He said: “A new junction would dramatically decrease the amount of traffic, make it easier for people to get to and from work, stop traffic to and from Harlow coming to a standstill by building resilience when accidents occur, increase property prices, boost our enterprise zone and unlock Harlow’s economic potential as the best place to do business in the East of England.

“It is estimated that some roads will see an 80 per cent reduction in the number of vehicles passing through each day by 2036.”

Liberal Democrat county councillor for Epping and Theydon Bois Jon Whitehouse was at the launch.

He welcomed the expected improvement in Harlow, but added: “However it is important to recognise junction seven at Hastingwood is already congested now.

“We must not lose sight of the need for Highways England to deliver the junction seven improvements promised in its Road Investment Strategy as soon as possible.”

Initial designs for junction 7a were shown to the public in 2013 and 2015.

A consultation on the plans was launched at Harlow Civic Centre today and runs until July 6.