A CYCLIST has slammed the decision to turn off the majority of the county’s streetlights after suffering serious injuries on his way to work.

The man, who has asked not to be named, suffered a fractured collar bone, broken wrist and concussion after not spotting a pothole while riding at 3.30am on the Main Road in Dovercourt close to the junction of Clarke’s Road.

“I have cycled to work nearly every day for the last twelve years and this was only my second early shift since the switch off was enforced,” he said.

“The doctor told me if I had landed on my head and not my shoulder I would not be around to tell the tale.

“It is so treacherous and I cannot think of any reason for them to be turned off.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “We are sorry to hear about this incident and wish the resident involved a speedy recovery. “An Essex Highways inspector will visit the location as a priority to investigate and assess the highway defect to establish what appropriate action may be required in-line with the Essex Highways maintenance policy."