TRANSPORT ministers have pledged to work with campaigners and council bosses to make a road safer.

Mike Penning, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, made the statement after Witham MP Priti Patel highlighted the dangers facing drivers using the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey.

The road is described by the Road Safety Foundation as the tenth most dangerous single carriageway in England.

Speaking during the House of Commons transport question time, Mr Penning said: “I know that part of the world very well, particularly the A12 and the A120, and I know how dangerous the section of road to which my honourable friend refers is.

“The Department of Transport will work with the campaign she is working hard to pursue. My officials are listening, so they will know they are to work with Essex County Council and other officials to make that road safer.”

Ms Patel said: “Local campaigners have been fighting for a long time to get the A120 brought up to a safe standard and the answer given by the minister is an important step forward in getting these changes brought in.

“Even in these very difficult financial times, there is still public money available for road improvements. I urge the council to do all that it can to support local people in getting the safety measures put in that we need.”

The Save Lives Not Time petition was launched after Stuart Argent, 25, of Myneer Park, Coggeshall, was killed while crossing the A120 at Coggeshall, in August.