A ROW has broken out over new road safety measures in Langdon Hills.

Resident Danny Lovey, 64, insists two mini roundabouts in the High Road have failed to slow down motorists and instead have caused more problems.

But John Dornan, county councillor for Laindon Park and Fryerns, said most residents he had spoken to believe the changes were an improvement.

Essex County Council installed roundabouts and traffic islands earlier this year, following calls by residents to cut drivers’ speeds.

A survey found people regularly break the limit, driving up to 60mph in the 30mph road.

Mr Lovey says he has spoken to neighbours and claims the mini roundabout at the top of High Road does little to slow people down – and it even had to be reduced because buses had problems getting over the bump.

Mr Lovey said: “They had to shave ten inches off the bump and one of the traffic islands has now been removed.

“I think it’s still dangerous. They’ve put a mini roundabout at the top of the hill and on a blind corner.

“Then there’s one of these signs that tells you when you’re speeding. It’s meant to run off solar power, but they’ve put it under some trees. It works but I was told it would be moved, but nothing has happened.”

Mr Lovey said he believed there needed to be more speed activated signs or speed humps in the road to successfully cut speed.

However Mr Dornan said: “Although initially there were some objections, the residents I have spoken to have approved.

“They have said it’s much easier for them to get access onto the High Road with the roundabouts, and that there are more positives than negatives.”