RESIDENTS in an area of Basildon believe that it is only a matter of time before a serious accent happens on a road where speeding regularly occurs.

Fears surround Lincoln Road in the east of the town, where it runs parallel with East Mayne. Part of the solution could be the creation of lay-bays on the wide, existing grass verge, to allow parking, which would reduce the problems of vision and people stepping out from behind parked cars.

A resident says: "How long do you think it's going to be before there is a serious accident on that stretch of road?

"There are speed bumps at one end but not the other and it is seriously dangerous and something needs to be done so people can park off the road, there is ample space on the Chesterford gardens side for a lay by to be put in.

"Surely the price of a lay-by is worth less than the lives that will eventually be lost?"

The problem has been echoes by another comment on social media which says: "Will a child walking from between cars and vans to cross the road be a casualty? There needs to be less spent on consulting and more attention to traffic flow and safe parking."

Concerns have been recognised by Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan, who says he and his council colleagues will be pressing for action from Essex County Council, who control the highways in that area.

He says: "I know residents are concerned and we have been trying to get the County Council to put speed restrictions into the area. Hopefully following the forthcoming will have more say over the local highways panel meaning we can potentially get these in sooner.

"This is a major issue that needs looking at."