A CAMPAIGNING driving instructor has criticised a report which reveals £62,000 has been spent on repairing a bridge over the past eight years.

Mark Cole, from Wrabness, is calling for action to improve a bridge on the B1352 between Mistley and Bradfield.

In recent years residents have reported cars crashing and losing control as they approach the bridge.

Mr Cole, chairman of Colchester and District Driving Instructors Association, witnessed the aftermath of a crash in February, which left the bridge in need of urgent repair.

He was on the scene of a second incident in October, when a car slammed into the side of the bridge.

In a bid to see some form of traffic-calming measures installed, Mr Cole has appealed on multiple occasions to Essex County Council.

He recently submitted a Freedom of Information request to the council, discovering £62,000 has been spent on repairing the bridge as a result of 11 incidents over the past eight years.

He said: “These figures are shocking.

“Given the number of crashes I can not believe the council has yet to do anything about it in the long-term.

“I have now taken things as far as I can go. The response I had was deeply disappointing.

“Essex County Council made it absolutely clear it doesn’t want any interface between driving groups like us.

“The next step for me is putting serious consideration into standing next May as county councillor for Tendring Rural West.

“This seems to be the only way I can get something done.

“Money spent on constantly repairing this bridge could have been put to use making this dangerous stretch of road safer.”

As part of the information request, Mr Cole asked how much traffic calming measures would cost to implement.

The report read: “Without a proper study, determination of appropriate measures and an estimation of budget for implementation at this specific site, it is impossible to say.”

It goes on to state the approximate costs for a single change of speed limit with sign would be £15,000 and a vehicle-activated sign would cost £10,000.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “We encourage residents with safety concerns to contact their local councillor, who can then raise them with their Local Highways Panel."