Traffic chaos in Southend as several crashes block main roads

6:31pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Emma Thomas

Picture by Echo photographer Anna Lukala Picture by Echo photographer Anna Lukala

DRIVERS were caught in massive tailbacks as several rush-hour crashes caused chaos in Southend. 

Firefighters from Southend battled treacherous icy conditions to attend numerous accidents caused by the poor state of the roads.

Accidents on Prince Avenue, at Victoria Gateway, Royal Artillery Way and in Eastwood Road blocked the main routes out of the town. 

At around 6:45pm a car smashed into the side of a house as the driver tried turning left from Milton Road into Cambridge Road in Southend.
 

They were later called to a collision in Victoria Avenue, in which part of the road was closed off, before heading to a five-car pileup at the bottom of the Queensway interpass.
 

Sub-officer Lee Burling said: “The conditions were an absolute nightmare. There appears to be no grit on the roads whatsoever, and as a result you couldn’t ask for a better ice rink.”

Conditions were so bad bus operator Arriva cancelled many of its services.

Passengers on a no. 27 bus were also left shaken but uninjured as it slid into a roundabout near Seaway Carpark in Chancellor Road, Southend.

Some people were stranded for more than an hour at a virtual standstill. 

People were forced to abandon cars and walk home as they struggled to stay on the icy roads.

 

Comments (81)

6:33pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

And all because of a flurry of the white stuff, imagine if this was Canada.....
And all because of a flurry of the white stuff, imagine if this was Canada..... Carnabackable

6:48pm Mon 11 Mar 13

marshman says...

Anyone seen the gritters?
Anyone seen the gritters? marshman

6:49pm Mon 11 Mar 13

The Late One says...

Southend Council now costcutting and not gritting the roads, at least Castle Point care about motorists
Southend Council now costcutting and not gritting the roads, at least Castle Point care about motorists The Late One

6:49pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

marshman wrote:
Anyone seen the gritters?
They're probably stuck behind the student, out in the Clio...
[quote][p][bold]marshman[/bold] wrote: Anyone seen the gritters?[/p][/quote]They're probably stuck behind the student, out in the Clio... Carnabackable

7:13pm Mon 11 Mar 13

lottie31 says...

marshman wrote:
Anyone seen the gritters?
have phoned southend council and they dont know when the gritters will be out. i live on southchurch ave and people are losing control of their cars, there is a group of young lads waiting at the bottom on the woodgrange drive and they are helping people up the hill. Ive seeing cars going into the barriers and into other cars, onto the pavement. its horrendous. i live on the corner of york road and people are doing a U turn and heading back down the hill as they just cant get anywhere.
[quote][p][bold]marshman[/bold] wrote: Anyone seen the gritters?[/p][/quote]have phoned southend council and they dont know when the gritters will be out. i live on southchurch ave and people are losing control of their cars, there is a group of young lads waiting at the bottom on the woodgrange drive and they are helping people up the hill. Ive seeing cars going into the barriers and into other cars, onto the pavement. its horrendous. i live on the corner of york road and people are doing a U turn and heading back down the hill as they just cant get anywhere. lottie31

7:14pm Mon 11 Mar 13

lottie31 says...

Carnabackable wrote:
And all because of a flurry of the white stuff, imagine if this was Canada.....
the snow isnt the problem its the sodding ice. because the idle council would rather sit on their fat behinds than sort out the roads.
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: And all because of a flurry of the white stuff, imagine if this was Canada.....[/p][/quote]the snow isnt the problem its the sodding ice. because the idle council would rather sit on their fat behinds than sort out the roads. lottie31

7:31pm Mon 11 Mar 13

shoebury52 says...

It funny that there website seems to have crashed I wonder why. Or is it just my browser
It funny that there website seems to have crashed I wonder why. Or is it just my browser shoebury52

7:38pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Nebs says...

shoebury52 wrote:
It funny that there website seems to have crashed I wonder why. Or is it just my browser
Working fine here. Have you gritted your computer?
[quote][p][bold]shoebury52[/bold] wrote: It funny that there website seems to have crashed I wonder why. Or is it just my browser[/p][/quote]Working fine here. Have you gritted your computer? Nebs

7:47pm Mon 11 Mar 13

lorna1984 says...

I was stuck in Bournemouth Park Road trying to get to Southchurch for over 2 hrs. Everywhere was gridlocked, Eastern Ave and Southchurch Rd were terrible. Where are the gritters. Many cars are being abandoned in Liftstan Way because the hill is too slippery to get up.
I was stuck in Bournemouth Park Road trying to get to Southchurch for over 2 hrs. Everywhere was gridlocked, Eastern Ave and Southchurch Rd were terrible. Where are the gritters. Many cars are being abandoned in Liftstan Way because the hill is too slippery to get up. lorna1984

7:48pm Mon 11 Mar 13

jolllyboy says...

Did our blood get through ?...........
Did our blood get through ?........... jolllyboy

7:57pm Mon 11 Mar 13

GONNERS says...

once again SBC can not be bothered to send out the gritters, causing absolute chaos on the roads around southend,they expect us to pay for our council tax for what ???
once again SBC can not be bothered to send out the gritters, causing absolute chaos on the roads around southend,they expect us to pay for our council tax for what ??? GONNERS

8:00pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Jamie11 says...

2 hours to get from Westcliff rail station to Southchurch. Everywhere gridlocked or accidents.
Why? Because the council couldnt organise a single gritter from what I could see.
Main Bus routes - Ice rinks. Slopes-Skating rinks.
The Council should accept responsibility for every accident due to their total incompetence.
c2c managed to grit their platforms and walkways this morning. So why is it so difficult for the council with theuir greater resources?
2 hours to get from Westcliff rail station to Southchurch. Everywhere gridlocked or accidents. Why? Because the council couldnt organise a single gritter from what I could see. Main Bus routes - Ice rinks. Slopes-Skating rinks. The Council should accept responsibility for every accident due to their total incompetence. c2c managed to grit their platforms and walkways this morning. So why is it so difficult for the council with theuir greater resources? Jamie11

8:12pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Audioman says...

SBC did not know that is was going to be like that all the gritters locked up for the winter until next winter as it is spring !!!
SBC did not know that is was going to be like that all the gritters locked up for the winter until next winter as it is spring !!! Audioman

8:14pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Felix Billy says...

Carnage at Cliff Gardens coming up from Chalkwell Station at 6.30 tonight. Sheet black ice all over the road , not a sausage made it up the hill, and I went ar@e over t@t just crossing the b*gger! Never seen it so bad in all my life, amazing what half an inch of snow can do.
Carnage at Cliff Gardens coming up from Chalkwell Station at 6.30 tonight. Sheet black ice all over the road , not a sausage made it up the hill, and I went ar@e over t@t just crossing the b*gger! Never seen it so bad in all my life, amazing what half an inch of snow can do. Felix Billy

8:29pm Mon 11 Mar 13

sskk678 says...

I have been delivering pizza since 11 this morning. It snowed on and off. No Gritters tho. Once it was 5pm it took me an hour and a half to get back to the store.
I have been delivering pizza since 11 this morning. It snowed on and off. No Gritters tho. Once it was 5pm it took me an hour and a half to get back to the store. sskk678

8:32pm Mon 11 Mar 13

sskk678 says...

I still have work tomorrow. If the council do not sort the roads out by then I will be phoning them up and complaining
I still have work tomorrow. If the council do not sort the roads out by then I will be phoning them up and complaining sskk678

8:45pm Mon 11 Mar 13

shoeburyboy says...

anyone seen a gritter
anyone seen a gritter shoeburyboy

8:53pm Mon 11 Mar 13

kayleigh 085 says...

Not being funny but its March all the gritters will be locked up till next winter,When have we ever had snow in march&No one expects it to snow in march!
Not being funny but its March all the gritters will be locked up till next winter,When have we ever had snow in march&No one expects it to snow in march! kayleigh 085

8:54pm Mon 11 Mar 13

The Big Dady says...

Just taken me 31/2 hours to get from Purdeys Ind Est Rochford to Hamlet Court Road Westcliff, and guess what, I had a gritter lorry stuck in the jam behind me.
Just taken me 31/2 hours to get from Purdeys Ind Est Rochford to Hamlet Court Road Westcliff, and guess what, I had a gritter lorry stuck in the jam behind me. The Big Dady

8:55pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Elephantman2 says...

jolllyboy wrote:
Did our blood get through ?...........
Spot on; but don't worry there won't be any deaths caused by sending blood tests to Bedford because there won't be any delays will there?
[quote][p][bold]jolllyboy[/bold] wrote: Did our blood get through ?...........[/p][/quote]Spot on; but don't worry there won't be any deaths caused by sending blood tests to Bedford because there won't be any delays will there? Elephantman2

8:57pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

The bad thing is this weather was forecast to arrive, as seen on Metcheck.com since last Thursday.......
The bad thing is this weather was forecast to arrive, as seen on Metcheck.com since last Thursday....... Carnabackable

8:59pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

It snowed, melted and froze, holiday on ice, hope it now snows more, be easier to drive on.....
It snowed, melted and froze, holiday on ice, hope it now snows more, be easier to drive on..... Carnabackable

9:01pm Mon 11 Mar 13

shoeburyboy says...

Often snows at easter
Often snows at easter shoeburyboy

9:05pm Mon 11 Mar 13

boo beckett says...

Once again, Southend council fail their constituents. They knew this weather was coming days ago. Idiots!
Once again, Southend council fail their constituents. They knew this weather was coming days ago. Idiots! boo beckett

9:05pm Mon 11 Mar 13

DogsMessInLeigh says...

London Road has been Jammed for hours..., just seen the first gritter truck go past when i was in The Chinese just now.
The roads where frozen at 5.00pm from Tesco Prince ave back to Leigh took 30 mins which should have took under 10.
London Road has been Jammed for hours..., just seen the first gritter truck go past when i was in The Chinese just now. The roads where frozen at 5.00pm from Tesco Prince ave back to Leigh took 30 mins which should have took under 10. DogsMessInLeigh

9:06pm Mon 11 Mar 13

woodsey23 says...

Yet again Southend council must have their heads up their rear end, it has been bad weather all day so anyone with an ounce of sense could foresee what is going to happen. But oh no, no gritters, I called the council at 6.50pm tonight to be told that the gritters are out, yet another post earlier said they did not know when they will be out. Sounds like they are lieing again!!!!! Do we get a discount on our council tax, I BET NOT. Can the people involved in car accidents claim against the council for the damage to their cars.
WAKE UP Southend council, DO WHAT YOU ARE PAID TO DO!!!!!!!!
Yet again Southend council must have their heads up their rear end, it has been bad weather all day so anyone with an ounce of sense could foresee what is going to happen. But oh no, no gritters, I called the council at 6.50pm tonight to be told that the gritters are out, yet another post earlier said they did not know when they will be out. Sounds like they are lieing again!!!!! Do we get a discount on our council tax, I BET NOT. Can the people involved in car accidents claim against the council for the damage to their cars. WAKE UP Southend council, DO WHAT YOU ARE PAID TO DO!!!!!!!! woodsey23

9:06pm Mon 11 Mar 13

DogsMessInLeigh says...

marshman wrote:
Anyone seen the gritters?
8.50pm the first one in Leigh spotted.
[quote][p][bold]marshman[/bold] wrote: Anyone seen the gritters?[/p][/quote]8.50pm the first one in Leigh spotted. DogsMessInLeigh

9:18pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Adriver1 says...

There's one at Vic Circus.....but it's stuck in traffic...
There's one at Vic Circus.....but it's stuck in traffic... Adriver1

9:19pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Bangemup says...

What a shamefull episode, the Southend council should be colectivly sued for gross derillection of duty , The roads within the Borough should be gritted and kept in a reasonably safe condition , I see no excuse ,especialy concerning cost as they have just saved many thousands of pounds cancelling the Airshow . Perhaps that money could have been put into running the gritting wagons for a few hours today .
What a shamefull episode, the Southend council should be colectivly sued for gross derillection of duty , The roads within the Borough should be gritted and kept in a reasonably safe condition , I see no excuse ,especialy concerning cost as they have just saved many thousands of pounds cancelling the Airshow . Perhaps that money could have been put into running the gritting wagons for a few hours today . Bangemup

9:21pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Shoebury driver says...

Saw 3 gritters stuck in the traffic between Sutton Road and Cuckoo corner at about 6pm ish. As previously read that SBC only have 4 gritters, doesn't seem like they were very prepared for the forecast weather. Hope those who are responsible for arranging this were stuck in the traffic like the rest of us. Probably not though!! 1 hour and 40 mins for 7 mile drive from Aviation Way to Shoebury, most of which was sheer ice. Not fun.
Saw 3 gritters stuck in the traffic between Sutton Road and Cuckoo corner at about 6pm ish. As previously read that SBC only have 4 gritters, doesn't seem like they were very prepared for the forecast weather. Hope those who are responsible for arranging this were stuck in the traffic like the rest of us. Probably not though!! 1 hour and 40 mins for 7 mile drive from Aviation Way to Shoebury, most of which was sheer ice. Not fun. Shoebury driver

9:26pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Rochford Rob says...

I blame all this global warming, oooops, sorry 'climate change'

Oh well, am sure someone will devise another tax to prevent this happening in the future.

I remember '63. I dread to think what would happen if that occured again.

Today we had what, 1/2" and chaos. Imagine what a few 6 foot drifts would do.
I blame all this global warming, oooops, sorry 'climate change' Oh well, am sure someone will devise another tax to prevent this happening in the future. I remember '63. I dread to think what would happen if that occured again. Today we had what, 1/2" and chaos. Imagine what a few 6 foot drifts would do. Rochford Rob

9:27pm Mon 11 Mar 13

pendulum says...

Dropped the bike today, roads were sheet ice, thanks to those who stopped, just a broken indicator. Conditions went downhill rapidly.
Dropped the bike today, roads were sheet ice, thanks to those who stopped, just a broken indicator. Conditions went downhill rapidly. pendulum

9:27pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Rochford Rob says...

Bangemup wrote:
What a shamefull episode, the Southend council should be colectivly sued for gross derillection of duty , The roads within the Borough should be gritted and kept in a reasonably safe condition , I see no excuse ,especialy concerning cost as they have just saved many thousands of pounds cancelling the Airshow . Perhaps that money could have been put into running the gritting wagons for a few hours today .
Expect 'you know who ' to proclaim that the roads are for people, not for the council to leave their grit on.
[quote][p][bold]Bangemup[/bold] wrote: What a shamefull episode, the Southend council should be colectivly sued for gross derillection of duty , The roads within the Borough should be gritted and kept in a reasonably safe condition , I see no excuse ,especialy concerning cost as they have just saved many thousands of pounds cancelling the Airshow . Perhaps that money could have been put into running the gritting wagons for a few hours today .[/p][/quote]Expect 'you know who ' to proclaim that the roads are for people, not for the council to leave their grit on. Rochford Rob

9:33pm Mon 11 Mar 13

H.79 says...

Nebs wrote:
shoebury52 wrote:
It funny that there website seems to have crashed I wonder why. Or is it just my browser
Working fine here. Have you gritted your computer?
Hahaha! Brilliant!
[quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]shoebury52[/bold] wrote: It funny that there website seems to have crashed I wonder why. Or is it just my browser[/p][/quote]Working fine here. Have you gritted your computer?[/p][/quote]Hahaha! Brilliant! H.79

9:53pm Mon 11 Mar 13

aly2805 says...

I got stuck for almost 2 hours on the London road which was an ice rink at 5pm. Whilst sitting in traffic i was narrowly missed by a van that skidded round the corner at Hamlet court road and ended up in the railings. My work collegue was narrowly missed by a skidding bus on the London road which ended up hitting a lamp post. I do hope the gritters will be out soon as i cant imagine the trouble it will cause tomorrow.
I got stuck for almost 2 hours on the London road which was an ice rink at 5pm. Whilst sitting in traffic i was narrowly missed by a van that skidded round the corner at Hamlet court road and ended up in the railings. My work collegue was narrowly missed by a skidding bus on the London road which ended up hitting a lamp post. I do hope the gritters will be out soon as i cant imagine the trouble it will cause tomorrow. aly2805

9:56pm Mon 11 Mar 13

The Late One says...

Leader of these idiots should resign, he's keen to get his name splashed everywhere when SBC do something right.
Leader of these idiots should resign, he's keen to get his name splashed everywhere when SBC do something right. The Late One

10:07pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Almeda11 says...

shoeburyboy wrote:
Often snows at easter
lt`s NOT Easter!
[quote][p][bold]shoeburyboy[/bold] wrote: Often snows at easter[/p][/quote]lt`s NOT Easter! Almeda11

10:20pm Mon 11 Mar 13

billericay boy says...

Just been out to put the rubbish in my wheeley bin and the lid is frozen shut, not only that wheeled it up my drive for the dustman tomorrow and skidded into my neabhours bin, carnage and chaos in billericay as well. Roll on summer....
Just been out to put the rubbish in my wheeley bin and the lid is frozen shut, not only that wheeled it up my drive for the dustman tomorrow and skidded into my neabhours bin, carnage and chaos in billericay as well. Roll on summer.... billericay boy

10:20pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Almeda11 says...

GONNERS wrote:
once again SBC can not be bothered to send out the gritters, causing absolute chaos on the roads around southend,they expect us to pay for our council tax for what ???
l am 66, and walked this evening from Crowstone Rd, Westcliff to Sainsburys in Southend. lt took me about 35 minutes each way, slightly longer than usual, but l was AMAZED to see car after car crawling along the London Rd, often not moving at all, l got there before the cars.

l have never seen anything like this before, yet obviously we`ve had snow before, over the last few years, so l cannot understand it, l`m sure most of the time they could have moved along a bit faster than they were, they were almost at a standstill, but l don`t think the gritters often grit the main roads at all, the pavements usually on the main roads, but even then, not always and it`s patchy, but they rely on the cars friction and sheer numbers to dissolve the snow, and this evening there was hardly any, mainly water and slush, so l still think its very strange that they didn`t move faster.
[quote][p][bold]GONNERS[/bold] wrote: once again SBC can not be bothered to send out the gritters, causing absolute chaos on the roads around southend,they expect us to pay for our council tax for what ???[/p][/quote]l am 66, and walked this evening from Crowstone Rd, Westcliff to Sainsburys in Southend. lt took me about 35 minutes each way, slightly longer than usual, but l was AMAZED to see car after car crawling along the London Rd, often not moving at all, l got there before the cars. l have never seen anything like this before, yet obviously we`ve had snow before, over the last few years, so l cannot understand it, l`m sure most of the time they could have moved along a bit faster than they were, they were almost at a standstill, but l don`t think the gritters often grit the main roads at all, the pavements usually on the main roads, but even then, not always and it`s patchy, but they rely on the cars friction and sheer numbers to dissolve the snow, and this evening there was hardly any, mainly water and slush, so l still think its very strange that they didn`t move faster. Almeda11

10:32pm Mon 11 Mar 13

shoeburyboy says...

The echo is our local paper, though printed in Oxford, can they please on Tuesday print an article when SBC have given their point of view, as plenty of Essex CC gritters are out, There answers would be welcome
The echo is our local paper, though printed in Oxford, can they please on Tuesday print an article when SBC have given their point of view, as plenty of Essex CC gritters are out, There answers would be welcome shoeburyboy

10:38pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Mike Smith says...

We were all warned a day or so ago that the weather was going to get cold and that snow was predicted. So why were the gritters not out in good time to prevent accidents and chaos? You only had to be in the grid-lock along Victoria Avenue, or in Queensway, or Southchurch Road, etc, about 5 pm to realise that this was chaos just waiting to happen! Save money by cutting the Airshow, but why cut gritters as well?
We were all warned a day or so ago that the weather was going to get cold and that snow was predicted. So why were the gritters not out in good time to prevent accidents and chaos? You only had to be in the grid-lock along Victoria Avenue, or in Queensway, or Southchurch Road, etc, about 5 pm to realise that this was chaos just waiting to happen! Save money by cutting the Airshow, but why cut gritters as well? Mike Smith

10:44pm Mon 11 Mar 13

sskk678 says...

Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.
Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired. sskk678

10:53pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Mikkel1 says...

SLOW DOWN in Bad weather, and crashes would NOT be so many. Kill your SPEED, not another!
SLOW DOWN in Bad weather, and crashes would NOT be so many. Kill your SPEED, not another! Mikkel1

11:11pm Mon 11 Mar 13

madmark50484 says...

well SBC really out done themselves !! I am bus driver speaking to other drivers the roads in Rochford ok roads on Canvey ok Benfleet ok, on London road get to Thames Drive all comes to halt come over Warners bridge the road turns to ice funny how our neighbours were ok but not Southend !!
well SBC really out done themselves !! I am bus driver speaking to other drivers the roads in Rochford ok roads on Canvey ok Benfleet ok, on London road get to Thames Drive all comes to halt come over Warners bridge the road turns to ice funny how our neighbours were ok but not Southend !! madmark50484

11:13pm Mon 11 Mar 13

emcee says...

sskk678 wrote:
Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.
I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere.
[quote][p][bold]sskk678[/bold] wrote: Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.[/p][/quote]I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere. emcee

11:14pm Mon 11 Mar 13

woolstone says...

Maybe its the wrong kind of snow again the sort that grit does not work on. Roll on May, June and July etc.,. Fingers crossed no rain this summer.
Maybe its the wrong kind of snow again the sort that grit does not work on. Roll on May, June and July etc.,. Fingers crossed no rain this summer. woolstone

11:23pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Nebs says...

The council has a responsibility 'to ensure, so far as reasonable practicable, the safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow and ice.'
http://www.southend.
gov.uk/info/561/road
s-gritting/550/winte
r_gritting
The council has a responsibility 'to ensure, so far as reasonable practicable, the safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow and ice.' http://www.southend. gov.uk/info/561/road s-gritting/550/winte r_gritting Nebs

11:30pm Mon 11 Mar 13

emcee says...

Nebs wrote:
The council has a responsibility 'to ensure, so far as reasonable practicable, the safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow and ice.'
http://www.southend.

gov.uk/info/561/road

s-gritting/550/winte

r_gritting
In that case, maybe we will see some claims hitting the council desks in the coming weeks. This evening I have seen cars sliding everywhere on the main roads. And it is not as if the cars are speeding. Even cars crawling are all over the place. They may as well be on ice skates.
[quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote: The council has a responsibility 'to ensure, so far as reasonable practicable, the safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow and ice.' http://www.southend. gov.uk/info/561/road s-gritting/550/winte r_gritting[/p][/quote]In that case, maybe we will see some claims hitting the council desks in the coming weeks. This evening I have seen cars sliding everywhere on the main roads. And it is not as if the cars are speeding. Even cars crawling are all over the place. They may as well be on ice skates. emcee

11:41pm Mon 11 Mar 13

emcee says...

Rochford Rob wrote:
I blame all this global warming, oooops, sorry 'climate change'

Oh well, am sure someone will devise another tax to prevent this happening in the future.

I remember '63. I dread to think what would happen if that occured again.

Today we had what, 1/2" and chaos. Imagine what a few 6 foot drifts would do.
It's not the depth of snow that is the problem it is the ice caused by freezing/compacted snow and only has to be half a cm to be lethal.
[quote][p][bold]Rochford Rob[/bold] wrote: I blame all this global warming, oooops, sorry 'climate change' Oh well, am sure someone will devise another tax to prevent this happening in the future. I remember '63. I dread to think what would happen if that occured again. Today we had what, 1/2" and chaos. Imagine what a few 6 foot drifts would do.[/p][/quote]It's not the depth of snow that is the problem it is the ice caused by freezing/compacted snow and only has to be half a cm to be lethal. emcee

12:10am Tue 12 Mar 13

emcee says...

Just heard they were gritting Barge Pier Road off Campfield Road. Did I hear correctly? If so, why has this been designated a priority road? They also said they were gritting it TWICE.
???
Just heard they were gritting Barge Pier Road off Campfield Road. Did I hear correctly? If so, why has this been designated a priority road? They also said they were gritting it TWICE. ??? emcee

12:24am Tue 12 Mar 13

sskk678 says...

have a look on youtube. search snow in japan. You can see how **** this country is with snow.
have a look on youtube. search snow in japan. You can see how **** this country is with snow. sskk678

12:28am Tue 12 Mar 13

southendfanman says...

When will people start voting. First register to vote. Then vote independent. Get the Tories out. Make your vote count
When will people start voting. First register to vote. Then vote independent. Get the Tories out. Make your vote count southendfanman

12:32am Tue 12 Mar 13

BASILBRUSH says...

kayleigh 085 wrote:
Not being funny but its March all the gritters will be locked up till next winter,When have we ever had snow in march&No one expects it to snow in march!
There was a heat wave at the end of March last year, but we had Snow in April...
Roads compacted snow and ice now... Gritters without traffic will have little effect tonight now.
Good luck tomorrow morning!!!!
[quote][p][bold]kayleigh 085[/bold] wrote: Not being funny but its March all the gritters will be locked up till next winter,When have we ever had snow in march&No one expects it to snow in march![/p][/quote]There was a heat wave at the end of March last year, but we had Snow in April... Roads compacted snow and ice now... Gritters without traffic will have little effect tonight now. Good luck tomorrow morning!!!! BASILBRUSH

12:39am Tue 12 Mar 13

Nazzarooney says...

Just got in. The snow has caused chaos from Basildon to southend on the A127. But not a bloody gritter in sight!

Come on southend council pull your fingers out of your overpaid backsides and sort this mess out

It's a joke
Just got in. The snow has caused chaos from Basildon to southend on the A127. But not a bloody gritter in sight! Come on southend council pull your fingers out of your overpaid backsides and sort this mess out It's a joke Nazzarooney

1:02am Tue 12 Mar 13

nlaverick says...

Agree with the bus driver earlier. As a rayleigh based taxi driver my monitor was showing that jobs across our 4 fleets ........covering southend and sorrounding areas was showing dozens of jobs waiting in the southend bc area ie where roads are maintained by southend bc and hardly any jobs waithing in adjacent areas ie where roads are maintained by essex cc. Can only conclude a different gritting strategy by southend bc. this was approx 6pm. Was out at about 2pm and snow was starting to fall and my thermo read 0 degrees but did not see a gritter till nearly 8pm ? Quite upsetting to see ambulances on emergencys stuck in the resulting gridlock....if the patient was a relative of any if the guys at southend bc who seem to have not made what to many of us would seem an easy decision to grit nearlier....hoiw would they feel ????
Agree with the bus driver earlier. As a rayleigh based taxi driver my monitor was showing that jobs across our 4 fleets ........covering southend and sorrounding areas was showing dozens of jobs waiting in the southend bc area ie where roads are maintained by southend bc and hardly any jobs waithing in adjacent areas ie where roads are maintained by essex cc. Can only conclude a different gritting strategy by southend bc. this was approx 6pm. Was out at about 2pm and snow was starting to fall and my thermo read 0 degrees but did not see a gritter till nearly 8pm ? Quite upsetting to see ambulances on emergencys stuck in the resulting gridlock....if the patient was a relative of any if the guys at southend bc who seem to have not made what to many of us would seem an easy decision to grit nearlier....hoiw would they feel ???? nlaverick

1:50am Tue 12 Mar 13

Andycal 172D says...

Well if they've saved so much money by not gritting the roads, can we have an airshow instead?
Well if they've saved so much money by not gritting the roads, can we have an airshow instead? Andycal 172D

2:09am Tue 12 Mar 13

zomboni says...

I got stuck on Lifstan Road. I skidded and hit the kerb. I decided to stay put as the road was blocked with cars spinning out of control, trying to get up hill. Someone then crashed into the back of me. I pulled forward to allow him to pass me and he crashed into me again. The council should hang their heads in shame over this, but I would also like to know why the radio stations were not issuing any useful information.
I got stuck on Lifstan Road. I skidded and hit the kerb. I decided to stay put as the road was blocked with cars spinning out of control, trying to get up hill. Someone then crashed into the back of me. I pulled forward to allow him to pass me and he crashed into me again. The council should hang their heads in shame over this, but I would also like to know why the radio stations were not issuing any useful information. zomboni

9:36am Tue 12 Mar 13

Hathi67 says...

Rayleigh Gritters were out but not seen one in southend, no surprise....

Why oh why does this country come to a standstill will a little bit of snow.

As for the amount of accidents. SLOW DOWN KEEP YOUR DISTANCE..........
Rayleigh Gritters were out but not seen one in southend, no surprise.... Why oh why does this country come to a standstill will a little bit of snow. As for the amount of accidents. SLOW DOWN KEEP YOUR DISTANCE.......... Hathi67

11:42am Tue 12 Mar 13

DogsMessInLeigh says...

They should of and could of gritted All day Monday...but didn't.
all melting off now though 11.30am Tuesday.
They should of and could of gritted All day Monday...but didn't. all melting off now though 11.30am Tuesday. DogsMessInLeigh

12:17pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Realworld says...

emcee wrote:
sskk678 wrote:
Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.
I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere.
The council purchase and operate the gritters - blame lies solely with them.
[quote][p][bold]emcee[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sskk678[/bold] wrote: Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.[/p][/quote]I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere.[/p][/quote]The council purchase and operate the gritters - blame lies solely with them. Realworld

12:53pm Tue 12 Mar 13

WAM4444 says...

Surely if you have damaged your car or yourself you can sue SBC for negligence? And what else are my rates not spent on now?
Surely if you have damaged your car or yourself you can sue SBC for negligence? And what else are my rates not spent on now? WAM4444

1:25pm Tue 12 Mar 13

perini says...

WAM4444 wrote:
Surely if you have damaged your car or yourself you can sue SBC for negligence? And what else are my rates not spent on now?
Well, whatever they are not spending it on it won't be to the detriment of this:
Southend Council
Senior Management Grades
SMG1 (Chief Executive) £127,152 - £148,881
SMG2 (Directors) £100,911 - £116,493
SMG3 (Heads of Service) £67,074 - £87,000
[quote][p][bold]WAM4444[/bold] wrote: Surely if you have damaged your car or yourself you can sue SBC for negligence? And what else are my rates not spent on now?[/p][/quote]Well, whatever they are not spending it on it won't be to the detriment of this: Southend Council Senior Management Grades SMG1 (Chief Executive) £127,152 - £148,881 SMG2 (Directors) £100,911 - £116,493 SMG3 (Heads of Service) £67,074 - £87,000 perini

1:39pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Rochford Rob says...

perini wrote:
WAM4444 wrote: Surely if you have damaged your car or yourself you can sue SBC for negligence? And what else are my rates not spent on now?
Well, whatever they are not spending it on it won't be to the detriment of this: Southend Council Senior Management Grades SMG1 (Chief Executive) £127,152 - £148,881 SMG2 (Directors) £100,911 - £116,493 SMG3 (Heads of Service) £67,074 - £87,000
Blimey, talk about empire building. Sack them all and get a Town Clerk on 50K
[quote][p][bold]perini[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]WAM4444[/bold] wrote: Surely if you have damaged your car or yourself you can sue SBC for negligence? And what else are my rates not spent on now?[/p][/quote]Well, whatever they are not spending it on it won't be to the detriment of this: Southend Council Senior Management Grades SMG1 (Chief Executive) £127,152 - £148,881 SMG2 (Directors) £100,911 - £116,493 SMG3 (Heads of Service) £67,074 - £87,000[/p][/quote]Blimey, talk about empire building. Sack them all and get a Town Clerk on 50K Rochford Rob

1:45pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Basildon_Boy says...

I feel sorry for you Southend lot. The road network you got in Southend is absolute terrible. And dont you understand, the money is being spent on the spy cars instead of the gritters. No one else realise that?
I feel sorry for you Southend lot. The road network you got in Southend is absolute terrible. And dont you understand, the money is being spent on the spy cars instead of the gritters. No one else realise that? Basildon_Boy

3:25pm Tue 12 Mar 13

emcee says...

Realworld wrote:
emcee wrote:
sskk678 wrote:
Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.
I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere.
The council purchase and operate the gritters - blame lies solely with them.
http://www.southend.
gov.uk/a_to_z/servic
e/204/roads-gritting
[quote][p][bold]Realworld[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]emcee[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sskk678[/bold] wrote: Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.[/p][/quote]I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere.[/p][/quote]The council purchase and operate the gritters - blame lies solely with them.[/p][/quote]http://www.southend. gov.uk/a_to_z/servic e/204/roads-gritting emcee

3:38pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Kentish Alex says...

SBC = Shambolic bloody council.

Award winning my backside. They should take that banner, roll it up and insert where the sun dosnt shine.

They are doing all they can to make southend unwelcoming to drivers with Spycars, crappy junction "improvements" and poor planning for services like gritting. There was hardly any snow last night, it was all the failure of SBC to get their fingers out.
SBC = Shambolic bloody council. Award winning my backside. They should take that banner, roll it up and insert where the sun dosnt shine. They are doing all they can to make southend unwelcoming to drivers with Spycars, crappy junction "improvements" and poor planning for services like gritting. There was hardly any snow last night, it was all the failure of SBC to get their fingers out. Kentish Alex

3:39pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

Basildon_Boy wrote:
I feel sorry for you Southend lot. The road network you got in Southend is absolute terrible. And dont you understand, the money is being spent on the spy cars instead of the gritters. No one else realise that?
The spy cars keep the roads free of illegal parkers, whilst the gritters keep the roads clear of ice, how many gritters do you hope to see in July - Doh
[quote][p][bold]Basildon_Boy[/bold] wrote: I feel sorry for you Southend lot. The road network you got in Southend is absolute terrible. And dont you understand, the money is being spent on the spy cars instead of the gritters. No one else realise that?[/p][/quote]The spy cars keep the roads free of illegal parkers, whilst the gritters keep the roads clear of ice, how many gritters do you hope to see in July - Doh Carnabackable

3:41pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

sskk678 wrote:
I have been delivering pizza since 11 this morning. It snowed on and off. No Gritters tho. Once it was 5pm it took me an hour and a half to get back to the store.
Hope your insurance covers you for business use, like the takeaway delivery drivers, many only have domestic use on their policies, until they have an accident, then it's called driving otherwise in accordance, an offence......
[quote][p][bold]sskk678[/bold] wrote: I have been delivering pizza since 11 this morning. It snowed on and off. No Gritters tho. Once it was 5pm it took me an hour and a half to get back to the store.[/p][/quote]Hope your insurance covers you for business use, like the takeaway delivery drivers, many only have domestic use on their policies, until they have an accident, then it's called driving otherwise in accordance, an offence...... Carnabackable

3:41pm Tue 12 Mar 13

smiffy1980 says...

I cant speak for all roads, but SBC say that the main routes have been gritted. Clearly the satnav must of missed Kings Road as that is terrible and cars sliding all over the place.

Some people however need lessons in how to drive in these conditions (should be introduced as part of the driving test).
I cant speak for all roads, but SBC say that the main routes have been gritted. Clearly the satnav must of missed Kings Road as that is terrible and cars sliding all over the place. Some people however need lessons in how to drive in these conditions (should be introduced as part of the driving test). smiffy1980

3:44pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

Hathi67 wrote:
Rayleigh Gritters were out but not seen one in southend, no surprise....

Why oh why does this country come to a standstill will a little bit of snow.

As for the amount of accidents. SLOW DOWN KEEP YOUR DISTANCE..........
We have the finest Gritters in Rayleigh, always spreading their message, and keeping the Highways and byeways clear....
[quote][p][bold]Hathi67[/bold] wrote: Rayleigh Gritters were out but not seen one in southend, no surprise.... Why oh why does this country come to a standstill will a little bit of snow. As for the amount of accidents. SLOW DOWN KEEP YOUR DISTANCE..........[/p][/quote]We have the finest Gritters in Rayleigh, always spreading their message, and keeping the Highways and byeways clear.... Carnabackable

4:59pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Broadwaywatch says...

kayleigh 085 wrote:
Not being funny but its March all the gritters will be locked up till next winter,When have we ever had snow in march&No one expects it to snow in march!
Then it would seem you are unaware of the old saying....If March winds do blow then we will have snow
[quote][p][bold]kayleigh 085[/bold] wrote: Not being funny but its March all the gritters will be locked up till next winter,When have we ever had snow in march&No one expects it to snow in march![/p][/quote]Then it would seem you are unaware of the old saying....If March winds do blow then we will have snow Broadwaywatch

5:05pm Tue 12 Mar 13

EastStBoy says...

It snowed as late as April five years ago.

SBC screwed up, and didnt have a plan (or grit - I am betting) to get the gritters out to treat the roads. They did, however, have a weather forecast showing snow in the area.

I really hope all those involved in crashes due to this treatment of roads are allow to follow up damages claims against the council.
It snowed as late as April five years ago. SBC screwed up, and didnt have a plan (or grit - I am betting) to get the gritters out to treat the roads. They did, however, have a weather forecast showing snow in the area. I really hope all those involved in crashes due to this treatment of roads are allow to follow up damages claims against the council. EastStBoy

6:03pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Antonius says...

Why should the council be blamed for people going out in icy weather and having accidents ?
Why should the council be blamed for people going out in icy weather and having accidents ? Antonius

6:06pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Antonius says...

Weather records show, that snow is more likely at Easter, than it is at Christmas.

Although Easter does tend to move around, calendar wise.
Weather records show, that snow is more likely at Easter, than it is at Christmas. Although Easter does tend to move around, calendar wise. Antonius

6:48pm Tue 12 Mar 13

LindyS says...

Basildon_Boy wrote:
I feel sorry for you Southend lot. The road network you got in Southend is absolute terrible. And dont you understand, the money is being spent on the spy cars instead of the gritters. No one else realise that?
Didn't see any spy cars out! All tucked up indoors cos they knew what was comming. Definately no gritters on Victoria Avenue all day Monday. Main route out of Southend. WHY ???????
[quote][p][bold]Basildon_Boy[/bold] wrote: I feel sorry for you Southend lot. The road network you got in Southend is absolute terrible. And dont you understand, the money is being spent on the spy cars instead of the gritters. No one else realise that?[/p][/quote]Didn't see any spy cars out! All tucked up indoors cos they knew what was comming. Definately no gritters on Victoria Avenue all day Monday. Main route out of Southend. WHY ??????? LindyS

7:07pm Tue 12 Mar 13

LindyS says...

Elephantman2 wrote:
jolllyboy wrote:
Did our blood get through ?...........
Spot on; but don't worry there won't be any deaths caused by sending blood tests to Bedford because there won't be any delays will there?
Totally agree! What would have happened . Someone will die and who will be to blame? No-one will own up and say "sorry we got it badly wrong"
[quote][p][bold]Elephantman2[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]jolllyboy[/bold] wrote: Did our blood get through ?...........[/p][/quote]Spot on; but don't worry there won't be any deaths caused by sending blood tests to Bedford because there won't be any delays will there?[/p][/quote]Totally agree! What would have happened . Someone will die and who will be to blame? No-one will own up and say "sorry we got it badly wrong" LindyS

7:22pm Tue 12 Mar 13

woodsey23 says...

Antonius wrote:
Why should the council be blamed for people going out in icy weather and having accidents ?
Some people were trying to get home from work, or are you one of those people who sit on their backside all day getting benefits from us workers. What a stupid comment to make!!! The council have a responsibility to keep the highways going?
[quote][p][bold]Antonius[/bold] wrote: Why should the council be blamed for people going out in icy weather and having accidents ?[/p][/quote]Some people were trying to get home from work, or are you one of those people who sit on their backside all day getting benefits from us workers. What a stupid comment to make!!! The council have a responsibility to keep the highways going? woodsey23

8:42am Wed 13 Mar 13

Realworld says...

emcee wrote:
Realworld wrote:
emcee wrote:
sskk678 wrote:
Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.
I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere.
The council purchase and operate the gritters - blame lies solely with them.
http://www.southend.

gov.uk/a_to_z/servic

e/204/roads-gritting
....and the link that goes nowhere is supposed to say?
[quote][p][bold]emcee[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Realworld[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]emcee[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sskk678[/bold] wrote: Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.[/p][/quote]I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere.[/p][/quote]The council purchase and operate the gritters - blame lies solely with them.[/p][/quote]http://www.southend. gov.uk/a_to_z/servic e/204/roads-gritting[/p][/quote]....and the link that goes nowhere is supposed to say? Realworld

8:53am Wed 13 Mar 13

saltydawg says...

All roads leading into and of the Southend/Leigh area at saturation point the same in the majority of the South East ,it seems that any spot of land that becomes avaliable is used for Housing and these seem to be mainly flats (where of course there is more finacial gain for developers )therefore more people and of course due to the way most people now live a lot more cars . Very few if any new roads are built therefore any problem be it snow fog rain roadworks will immediatly cause these snarlups and the problem will just continue to multiply for sure ,if you look at just a very small area as an example Southchurch Road every forecourt garage that has gone (4 I belive, have been built upon) how many flats and cars is that ? .It would have been nice to see the gritters out earlier but the root cause of these major traffic jams is firmly in tha hands of the planning departments and the greed of developers .There is obviously a lot more money to be made in housing than roads ..
All roads leading into and of the Southend/Leigh area at saturation point the same in the majority of the South East ,it seems that any spot of land that becomes avaliable is used for Housing and these seem to be mainly flats (where of course there is more finacial gain for developers )therefore more people and of course due to the way most people now live a lot more cars . Very few if any new roads are built therefore any problem be it snow fog rain roadworks will immediatly cause these snarlups and the problem will just continue to multiply for sure ,if you look at just a very small area as an example Southchurch Road every forecourt garage that has gone (4 I belive, have been built upon) how many flats and cars is that ? .It would have been nice to see the gritters out earlier but the root cause of these major traffic jams is firmly in tha hands of the planning departments and the greed of developers .There is obviously a lot more money to be made in housing than roads .. saltydawg

4:41pm Wed 13 Mar 13

r6keith says...

The problem here lies with elf and safety and risk assesment, once you have a frozen road it becomes unsafe for the gritter to drive on because its not been gritted ! In fact once the yard where the gritters are kept gets frozen the drivers cannot get into the cabs safely because they might slip and fall. Its all down hill from here !
The problem here lies with elf and safety and risk assesment, once you have a frozen road it becomes unsafe for the gritter to drive on because its not been gritted ! In fact once the yard where the gritters are kept gets frozen the drivers cannot get into the cabs safely because they might slip and fall. Its all down hill from here ! r6keith

2:43am Fri 15 Mar 13

emcee says...

Realworld wrote:
emcee wrote:
Realworld wrote:
emcee wrote:
sskk678 wrote:
Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.
I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere.
The council purchase and operate the gritters - blame lies solely with them.
http://www.southend.


gov.uk/a_to_z/servic


e/204/roads-gritting
....and the link that goes nowhere is supposed to say?
Actually it links to the correct page for me (your browser must be broken).
-
The page explains the council operates the gritters in partnership with Cory.
[quote][p][bold]Realworld[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]emcee[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Realworld[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]emcee[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sskk678[/bold] wrote: Whoever is in charge for the gritters at the council needs to be fired.[/p][/quote]I've seen them once, ONCE, on Southchurch Road, all winter. The council need to get more gritting lorries sorted (or force Cory to do so) as they obviously do not have enough. Yet, you go outside the boundries of Southend Council responsibilities they seem to be everywhere.[/p][/quote]The council purchase and operate the gritters - blame lies solely with them.[/p][/quote]http://www.southend. gov.uk/a_to_z/servic e/204/roads-gritting[/p][/quote]....and the link that goes nowhere is supposed to say?[/p][/quote]Actually it links to the correct page for me (your browser must be broken). - The page explains the council operates the gritters in partnership with Cory. emcee

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