Angry residents are demanding further action after claiming a new traffic calming scheme on a village road has failed.

Essex County Council has nearly finished a major £100,000 programme in the London Road area of Black Notley.

The aim of the scheme, which includes mini-roundabouts and a reduction in the speed limit, is to deter heavy traffic from using the road and to take the A131 route into Braintree instead.

But some residents claim traffic problems are continuing despite the changes and are now campaigning for tougher measures.

They also believe that narrowing the road to make room for cycleways has only helped to push vehicles closer together.

John Shynn, who lives on London Road, said he has told the county council that the scheme has been a waste of money.

He added: "The work has no physical deterrent to stop vehicles. The only advantage so far is the reduced lorry traffic thanks to the new weight restriction. But I believe this road must now be closed to through traffic before an accident takes place.

"I think it's going to get worse as the Great Notley village develops. This scheme must now be extended at minimal extra cost to impose a physical deterrent."

Essex County Council highways engineer Samir Pandya said further work in the area was a possibility for the future.

He added: "We will be having a survey on the difference that the scheme has made to the traffic flow between three and six months after it is completed.

"We need to wait for a while for motorists to get used to the changes and for the new improvements to settle down. If it's not working, then we will look at extra measures."

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