A crash barrier to cut the accident toll on the A127 is to be built following a £150,000 cash injection from a Southend company.

KeyMed committed the money for the new barrier between Progress Road and the borough boundary following dozens of accidents.

The move comes as the Evening Echo launches a new campaign today to promote safety on the roads.

Work on the project, which also includes a barrier either side of the junction with Eastwood Road North, starts on Monday.

The outside lane in each direction will be closed during the work, after the evening rush-hour each day.

Michael Woodford, group managing director of KeyMed, which supplies medical instruments, said: "KeyMed has had a commitment to road safety for many years. There have been a number of fatalities on that stretch of road and the crossover accidents are avoided if you have a barrier. This is the latest step in our commitment to try and stop people getting killed on the roads."

Read more about the Evening Echo Drive safe to stay alive campaign

Published Wednesday, August 6, 2003

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