Busy crossing lights blown over by winds (From Echo)

Busy crossing lights blown over by winds

9:00am Wednesday 11th January 2012 in News By Paul Offord

Councillor Ray Howard – by the damaged crossing

pedestrian crossing were blown over by heavy winds.

The lights outside Benfleet Station, off Ferry Road, Benfleet, blew over on Thursday evening. They will be replaced by temporary ones today, until they can be fixed.

Essex County Council confirmed the post supporting the traffic lights had been weakened by rust at its base, which left it unstable and vulnerable to heavy wind.

Ray Howard, Tory county councillor for Canvey, was worried about the safety of thousands of commuters from Canvey, Benfleet and the rest of Castle Point, who cross the road every week on their way to and from the station.

Mr Howard said: “The lights had been badly damaged and were out of action, which is dangerous, as Benfleet is the busiest station on the Shoebury to Fenchurch Street line, so that road crossing is extremely well used.

“I asked for temporary lights to be put there until the main lights are put right.”

Tracey Chapman, county councillor reponsible for highways and transportation, confirmed the temporary traffic lights would be installed today, and work repairing the permanent lights would start soon.

She said: “The pedestrian crossing on Ferry Road, close to Benfleet rail station became damaged following the recent adverse weather conditions.

“Essex County Council’s highways officers are in the process of repairing the crossing.

“From today, it will be made operational on a temporary basis.

“In the next week or so, work is due to be carried out between 9.30am and 3.30pm.”