Determined council leaders today called for action after two accidents in one week on the same road brought south Essex to a standstill.

On successive Fridays, a motorist has been killed on Canvey Way, Canvey, - causing gridlock and creating commuter chaos for miles around.

Exactly one week before Jane Hyams' death, John Kelly, from Ilford, died in another horror accident on the same road which also led to long delays for many motorists.

Castle Point leader Dave Wells and county council's highways and transportation chairman Ray Howard are now spearheading the drive for congestion-busting improvements.

It is hoped Christine Butler, Castle Point's MP, will be able to play a part in winning high-level talks with transport minister John Prescott.

Mr Wells said: "The traffic after the two accidents has shown how bad the problem is. The congestion is unacceptable and we are determined to get something done."

He was backed by Mr Howard who said: "I will be presenting this matter to the county council.

"This is not just Canvey's problem but south Essex's. More than half-a-million people are affected by this busy section."

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