The death toll on roads in Essex this year reached 100 today.

A man was killed on the A12 shortly after midnight. An HGV recovery vehicle was in collision with a red Ford Orion - which is believed to have broken down - on the Ipswich-bound carriageway at 12.05am.

The driver of the car, believed to be from Colchester, was thrown from it and subsequently hit by several other vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The eastbound carriageway between Marks Tey and Stanway was closed while fire crews cleared up the debris. The road finally re-opened at 8.30am today.

The shocking number of road deaths in the county - from 93 separate crashes - is up a third on last year. It compares with 67 crashes and 72 fatalities for the same period last year.

The disturbing rise in the accident statistics has been reached despite the best efforts of police and safety campaigners.

Supt Doug Adams, head of Essex traffic division, said: "The high number of deaths so far this year underlines the human tragedy associated with road accidents. One hundred people are going to be missed this Christmas."

Supt Adams said Essex Police are working closely with other agencies, such as local authorities and road safety officers, but the main partner in the campaign must be other drivers.

He said: "All drivers must take responsibility for the safety of themselves, their passengers and other road users.

"This is particularly important at this time of year. It is vital that you adapt your driving to meet the road conditions, allow extra time for your journeys, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and slow down."

Chief Insp Tom Diment, manager of Essex Police traffic (Operations), said the figures were disappointing considering the effort put in to keep the roads safe.

"I think it is disappointing if the figure rises by just one. We are very committed to reducing the deaths on the road," he said.

Chief Insp Diment said there was no single reason for the high number of accidents and deaths.

"There is no pattern to it. Every one is unique which makes our job very difficult to be pro-active and to predict and prevent," he added.

Earlier this month Essex Police launched their annual drink-drive campaign in a bid to reduce deaths over the festive season.

Those caught over the limit face losing their licence, a £5,000 fine and six months in prison - even for a first-time offence.

And under the new so-called Narey system, drink-drivers could be convicted and sentenced less than 72 hours after being charged.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident or anyone who saw the Orion prior to the crash to contact Stanway traffic unit on 01206 762512.

Closed and gridlocked - the two carriageways of A12 were not a welcoming place for motorists after the crash

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