Actually Phileas very familiar. I have often travelled on the said road down to a seaside resort which name escapes me! I would not call it high speed - it is not a motorway - so the legal limit is 60 mph. The trouble is when I and many other ex pats who pay a visit to dear old blighty (I use the term loosely now unfortunately) the traffic drives you mad, too many vehicles going hell for leather or trying to and nobody seems to have a minute to spare for anyone. May I add that I have actually flown from Southend but it was a long time ago now.
But sincerely keep the faith - unfortunately I think you are going to have great facilities but very few people to use them.