A CONTROVERSIAL one-way system in Benfleet will continue for its full 18 month trial run despite complaints from Canvey residents.

Since February 1 cars have not been able to turn right from the mini-roundabout to enter Benfleet Train Station, instead looping round via School Lane and Station Road.

The temporary system, introduced by Essex Highways and a Castle Point Local Highways Panel, is set to last 18 months, and was introduced by Essex Highways to improve safety, particularly for pedestrians, as well as easing congestion.

Residents have previously stated despite more cars using School Lane and Station Road, many still park on the double yellow lines on those roads to wait for people near the station, and said the purpose of the one-way system had been “defeated”.

Now, Canvey residents have stated the system is making traffic considerably worse for the island, as at peak times cars are stacking up along Canvey Road.

One 48-year-old Canvey resident, who has lived on the island for 18 years, said it is becoming the worst he has ever seen it.

He said: “I raised an objection with highways over the trial, as it is forcing more and more traffic onto School Lane, which has been an accident blackspot beforehand.

“But the bulk of the issues are not in Benfleet, they’re on Canvey. We’re experiencing the worst of it all; the traffic is so, so bad now at peak times, buses are running late, the queues are spiralling up, because there’s no free-flowing traffic all the way through.

“It is getting to that stage where it’s the worst I’ve seen it in my time on the island.”

Last week, a private meeting was held between Essex Highways and Benfleet councillors to discuss the one-way system, and the responses and objections received from the public since it first launched.

Following a discussion of the comments, the decision was made the 18 month trial run would not be revoked, as highways were waiting for results of additional traffic surveys so they could be compared to data taken before the system was introduced.

Sam Jordan, who also lives near Canvey Road, said: “Many people I know who use the road up to the station regularly say that an hour is added onto their days which is pure traffic congestion.

“The island is often very bad at peak times, but this certainly isn’t making things any better, the traffic does seem to be around for longer.”

The trial system is expected to remain until July 2020 when the 18-month period ends. 

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: "At the recent Castle Point Local Highway Panel meeting which approved funding for the follow-up survey, five councillors were present, representing councils at all three levels, from Canvey Island.

"The experimental scheme began in February for up to six months, with the survey to establish how traffic is now behaving due in April. 53 responses to the consultation have so far been received and when the Panel reviews the situation in June all views will be carefully taken into account.

"Neither bus companies nor Essex Police have, to date, raised any issues. There is some congestion at peak times around these junctions, but partly that is attributable to other adjacent major works and incidents such as breakdowns and collisions causing delays.

"If there is evidence of significant adverse effects caused by the scheme, it can be suspended at any time.”