SPEEDING drivers will end up killing a resident or pedestrian unless they are stopped from tearing round a dangerous bend on Canvey, a worried resident claims.

Allan Taylor says he has seen 34 accidents in just eight years at the bend, between Hardy's Way and Elsinor Avenue, and has even had four cars plough through his garden fence.

Mr Taylor, 66, said: "You see drivers coming round here at speeds that are unreal, even though it's a 30mph zone.

"The council has admitted there is a problem, but won't spend more money until something happens and there's a bad accident. Then it will be too late."

Seven bollards and railings were installed along the road two years ago by Essex County Council contractors, followed a while later by an anti-skid surface.

However, Mr Taylor claims the specially-designed surface has only encouraged drivers to take the bend at higher speeds. The boy racers know about the anti-skid surface and it makes them go round faster. It's like a racetrack in the rush-hour and at school times.

"We need something that will physically slow down the traffic, but it all comes down to cost. There are things they could put down here which wouldn't cost a lot of money and would solve the problem."

Mr Taylor, who lives in Hardy's Way, suggested concrete islands dividing the road lanes, a raised platform or speed humps could be the answer.

John Anderson, Canvey Independent Party councillor for Canvey Central ward, added: "It's a bend people go round very quickly. We've had promises of a flashing speed reduction sign, but this is yet to be installed."

Norman Hume, Essex County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "I am aware of the concerns residents have about the safety of the road at the corner of Hardy's Way.

"In response to this, the council has already installed high-grip surfacing, guardrail fencing and chevron signs. I understand that since these measures were introduced there have been no accidents leading to injury.

"However, I can confirm that in consultation with residents who attended a recent Neighbourhood Forum, an electronic sign to warn speeding drivers will be installed shortly. The effects of this will be closely monitored."

He added: "While I sympathise with residents everywhere in the county wishing for more substantial measures, road safety funding in Essex has to be prioritised according to those roads and junctions with the worst accident records."