TRADERS are calling for safety to be improved at the crossing.

Residents and businesses say the zebra crossing, in High Road, Benfleet is too close to a mini roundabout and needs improved lighting.

Lloyd Brooks, sales manager at Diggins and Cross, said: “We did not see the accident, but the crossing really needs to be better lit.

“It is very dark in the evening and the beacons are not very bright.

“There is a school nearby and youngsters use it to cross over in the morning and evening.

Their safety has to be a consideration.”

Resident Paul Hunter said: “I personally use this crossing a lot, as it is the only one in the vicinity of the local shops.

“It shocks and angers me how many people fail to stop or even look out for pedestrians at this crossing.

“Another problem is the lack of lighting.

“As the nights get longer, it is very dark and not clear to motorists. This is a major problem that I feel needs addressing.

“It needs a proper traffic light crossing that forces the traffic and pedestrians both to stop and wait.”

Samantha Cox, proprietor of Aspects of Beauty, said: “I have been here for 14 years and have seen quite a lot of accidents and near misses. A few years a go an elderly lady was knocked down and died in hospital.

“One of the issues is lighting, it is very dark at the crossing and the beacons are very dim.”