Southend News

Headache for drivers on A127 at Progress Road

7:30am Friday 3rd September 2010

MOTORISTS say changing the sequence of traffic lights at a busy road junction in Southend is making delays and congestion even worse.

Southend Council road works were already causing delays at the A127 Progress Road junction, but motorists claim hold-ups are now far worse because the timing of the lights has been altered.

They fear the problem will only get worse when the schools reopen, putting even more traffic on the roads next week.

Southend businessman Paul van Looy said: “During the day, it took me more than 25 minutes to get from Rayleigh Weir to Progress Road.

“What makes the situation worse at Progress Road is not seeing anybody working there when you eventually get to the traffic lights.”

The road at the busy junction is being widened to improve traffic flows – which is expected to continue until next March.

Essex County Council said it was trying to ensure other routes remained clear.

A spokesman added: “We are working with Southend Council to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.”

Southend councillor responsible for transport and planning, Mark Flewitt, said: “We have investigated these reported issues and there are no reasons why the Progress Road scheme should be affecting traffic.

“There are no faults we are aware of at present with the signals. It is likely that the recent queuing maybe the result of traffic volumes for the last few days of the holidays and fine weather.

“We are running narrow lanes, but both lanes are open to traffic. We are constantly monitoring the situation.”

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