Rush-hour traffic was brought to a standstill twice within an hour yesterday afternoon.

A lorry carrying cargo from France shed its load, sending three giant paper rolls weighing two-and-a-half tonnes each careering onto the busy road about 3.15pm.

Traffic was diverted through Steeple View, Laindon while police officers dealt with the incident past the Fortune of War roundabout on the Southend-bound carriageway.

A heavy lifter was called to remove the rolls and the road was reopened within two hours.

Published Friday July 30, 2004

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