A CAMPAIGN is being launched to stop lorries driving on a Canvey street instead of using the £18.5million Roscommon Way extension.

Concerns have been raised that large lorries are continuing to use Haven Road, causing misery to local residents whose homes shake when they pass.

The Roscommon Way extension, which links Northwick Road to Haven Road, was officially opened in December with the aim of easing congestion on the island and allowing better access to Charfleets Industrial Estate, freeing residential roads from industrial traffic.

Frustrated resident Keith Barber, 61, of Clinton Road, Canvey, now wants weight restriction signs put up along Haven Road to stop any vehicles over seven tonnes using the route.

Mr Barber said: “The road has been repaired at least three times, all in the same places, where the lorries keep causing cracks and potholes.

“Not only that, but I know the houses in the road shake every time one of those heavy duty lorries come down – even my house rumbles and it is round the corner.

“Having the signs would put a stop to all that, and will help reduce noise levels and the damage being done to the roads. Those repairs must cost the council thousands of pounds.”

Mr Barber, who contacted county councillor Ray Howard to put his request to Essex County Council, also expressed concerns about the danger of large lorries trying to turn in and out of Canvey Road.

He said: “The junction near the King Canute pub is far too small for lorries to turn in and out of Canvey Road – it is so dangerous. The signs will also go a long way to making that junction safer.”

Mr Howard, who is also a borough and town councillor, has raised the issue with the Castle Point Regeneration Partnership and will be putting Mr Barber’s proposals to the county council.

Mr Howard said: “We knew it would take some time for people to start using the new road, but I have to say I am quite surprised with the amount of cars already using it.

“However, I am aware some large vehicles are still driving that way.

“I will be putting Mr Barber’s suggestion to the county council, but unfortunately it can be a slow process to get these things done.”