�������t¶��

National Highways has also lifted roadworks from more than 1,100 miles of motorway and major A roads, with 97.5% of its network now free of traffic cones.

"It's difficult, you can't blame the drivers because you've got roadworks and all the rest of it, and I understand that," she said.

What is it like for those living near the National Highways' longest-running roadworks?

"It's quite embarrassing when you read the news and see you've got the longest-running roadworks in the country," says Tina Townsend, who runs the Witham Hub community centre.

The roadworks are the longest-running on National Highways' 4,500-mile network, which covers mostly motorways and major A-roads.