BETTER road signs and a new surface are set for an accident blackspot early next year, it has been announced.

Essex County Council Highways has said the work will be carried out in the next financial year after an inquest into the death of teenager Carys Hammond.

Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray called for urgent work on Brickman's Hill in Bradfield after ruling the 18-year-old's death in April was an accident.

Speaking after the inquest, a spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Our specialist road safety engineers have worked with Essex Police to assess whether there are road safety improvements that can be made at this site to help to prevent a similar tragic collision.

“Essex Highways will now work to implement those improvements, which have been endorsed by the coroner.

“Councillor Ian Grundy, Essex County Council cabinet member for highways, and councillor Andrew Erskine, chairman of the Local Highways Panel, are working urgently with the Tendring Local Highways Panel to bring forward enhanced road signs and new road lining, which is planned to be carried out early in the new financial year.

“Improved road surfacing will be done as soon as weather conditions permit after the winter.

“A temporary speed limit of 40 mph has been introduced and will be reviewed as part of the overall measures.

“Engineers will investigate whether improved barriers can be installed at the site.”