Jonathan: Today, for a change, I’ve come to Chelmsford by train. Walk to Welwyn GC station, train south to Moorgate (but signal failure meant I had to change to another very crowded train at Finsbury Park), walk to Liverpool St Station (no signs to give directions), and then train north-east to Chelmsford, then short walk to office.  Time taken 1h 50mins door to door.

Driving the far more direct east-west route along the A414 is just 40 miles (and about half that on dual carriageways) – but has never taken less than 1h 30mins, maximum so far 1h 45mins.

I have to ask – what exactly my career in designing and building roads has actually achieved!