"There have been a number of road accidents at Tarpots where drivers get confused and jump the lights going from the High Road across to Rushbottom Lane and leading to Church Road.

After another accident on Thursday, I asked the Leader of Essex County Council, Cllr Kevin Bentley, to meet myself and the Essex County Councillor for South Benfleet, Cllr Andrew Sheldon, at Tarpots the next day. Something needs to be done!

I asked them to work with Officers at Essex Highways to find a solution and Cllr Sheldon has been pushing forward proposals to improve the traffic lights at the junction for some time. I am pleased that the Leader of Essex County Council has now agreed that these will be put in place this financial year."