CALLS have been made for a busy road to become a oneway system to reduce the risk of crashes.

Residents, traders and councillors branded Silva Island Way, Wickford, dangerous because of too many cars and poor visibility.

They claim there are regular near-misses, with vehicles pulling in and out of the crescent, which is lined with shops.

Customers using shops in Silva Island Way park in the road as well as people using the Wick Community Centre, Tops Foundation Pre-school, and Seymour House Day Nursery.

The parade of shops and a car park are privately managed, but changing access would affect traffic leaving and joining Salcott Crescent, so highways bosses at Essex County Council would have to come to an agreement with the owners.

Paul South, manager of Fish ’n’ Chick'n, said: “I can see where people are coming from with this.

“It’s a problem when cars pull into the road, as other people are reversing out of spaces.

“It would make sense to have everyone coming in one way and leaving another. There are certain times of the day when it gets a bit manic down here.’’

Emma Simpson, 36, who lives on The Wick estate and works at the community centre, said: “I don’t drive, but I can see the logic in the one-way suggestion.

“I don’t really see why it isn’t already one-way.

“It gets really busy, especially when parents are picking their children up.’’ The suggestion was initially put forward by members of Wickford Action Group, who believe something needs to be done as they say motorists take blind bends in and out of Silva Island Way too fast.

They are particularly concerned about safety because children from the nursery and preschool regularly cross the road.

Ukip councillor David Harrison, who represents Wickford Park, and was previously chairman of the action group, said: “The shops and community centre have to pay for the upkeep of the car park, and the cost of the one-way system will probably have to be met by them.

“Unfortunately, I think it is going to take something really serious to happen for anything to be done.’’ Rodney Bass, councillor for highways at Essex County Council, said: “We have not received any formal requests for Silva Island Way to become one-way.

“Residents, traders and councillors are advised to raise their concerns with Basildon Local Highways Panel through their local county councillors.”