An escalating number of accidents and traffic queuing problems are due to be targeted in a new safety offensive along a major mid-Essex road.

The best ways to beat the traffic problems on Braintree bypass are being investigated.

A firm of consultants will be instructed next year to conduct a survey at the Galley's roundabout, where the bypass joins the B1018 to Witham and the road to the Freeport shopping village.

Once the survey is completed, the consultants will be asked to forward recommendations to Essex County Council on how best to keep the traffic flowing in the area of the bypass.

Elaine Beckett, road safety officer for Braintree, said: "When Freeport opened we had a lot of people complain there were problems on the bypass.

"While it seems to have died down a bit we are hoping the company will make some sound suggestions on how to keep the traffic flowing."

RECENT

Mrs Beckett said there had been a number of accidents reported as a result of queuing, which needed to be looked at.

A recent report of the Essex traffic flow monitor showed a 6.4 per cent increase in traffic in Braintree between 1998 and 1999.

The report also revealed the amount of traffic using the A131 south of Braintree exceeded the capacity figure set for the road.

David Green, district councillor for East Braintree, called for immediate action into the traffic problem.

He said: "There is definitely a problem there and it needs to be looked into.

"Hopefully we will get some good recommendations and do what we can to solve the traffic problems," he added.

By Neil Jones

Reporter's e-mail: neil_jones@thisisessex.co.uk

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