IMPROVEMENTS to a major road must be a priority following another fatal accident.  A soldier from Colchester was killed in a crash on the A120 on Saturday, on the Coggeshall bypass near the B1024. 

The soldier, in his twenties, collided with a lorry on a road which has been dubbed one of the most dangerous in the country. 

James Cleverly, MP for Braintree, saw a "moving, silent tribute" to the young soldier and called for action. 

He said: "Having another person lose their life on this road is saddening and it reinforces the fact something needs to be done. 

"The road is clearly no longer fit for purpose, the arguments that the road needs to be improved are compelling, it's the right thing to do. 

"I am continuing to push for the A120 to be improved as a priority."

A dualling of the A120 has been proposed for the future but campaigners feel now is the time for action. 

Rosie Pearson, secretary for the Campaign Against Urban Sprawl in Essex, said: "People are shocked and it's a reminder of how dangerous the road is.

"We all know it's over capacity, the dual road needs to be built separately from any development, it's madness.

"The new dual A120 is the missing link, it needs to happen and we are urging MPs to lobby for it to be introduced now." 

It is understood the man served in the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artillery and people have sent their condolences to his family.

An Army spokesman said: “We can confirm that an off-duty soldier was killed in a road traffic collision on the A120 near Coggeshall in the early hours of Saturday.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the soldier’s family. 

"The incident is being investigated by Essex Police and it would be inappropriate to comment further.” 

Nick Unsworth, chairman of Coggeshall Parish Council, said: "We are all are saddened to hear of another death on the A120 and our thoughts are with the family.  

"The Parish Council is part of a local group who are considering options for the A120 and it is hoped that vital improvements can be made in the future."

Back in 2010 the stretch of road between Marks Tey and Braintree was branded one of the most dangerous single carriageways in England.  The 12-mile stretch was rated the 10th worst, according to the road safety foundation.  The report looked at the protection provided if vehicles career off the road, the risk of head-on collisions and the safety of junctions.

The A120 was given two stars out of four.

Witham MP Priti Patel said the road needed to be made safer as soon as possible. 

She said: "Our thoughts and prayers should be with the family and relatives affected by this tragedy. 

"The police and Highways England will need to review what has happened and take action to address any safety concerns. 

"The A120 is one of the most dangerous roads in England and I have been campaigning for it to be upgraded. 

"A feasibility study funded by the Government and Essex County Council is taking place to examine the measures needed to make the A120 safer. 

"There will be a consultation on the route options early next year and I will be pressing for investment in the upgrades to be made as soon as possible." 

A Highways England spokesman said: "Safety is Highways England’s top priority.

"Our thoughts are with those affected by the fatal incident on the A120 Coggeshall bypass over the weekend, however it would be inappropriate to speculate on the possible causes of the incident.”