ONE of the main busy roads on to Canvey will be closed to allow testing of safety cameras.

Canvey Way, Canvey, will be closed overnight on May 8 and May 9 while officers carry out the works.

It has been met with serious concerns from residents and councillors about the closure.

Residents raised concerns about how it will affect emergency services but the council claim access will still be allowed for the services.

Beccy Reid, 55, from Canvey said: “Getting on and off the island is bad enough as it is without this added issue.

“I don’t even want to think about the traffic and queues especially very early in the morning.

“It will back up to the island and be total gridlock.

“It seems as though we’ve got a few weekends with traffic and travel disruption back to back.

“Doesn’t anyone think about this when planning works?

“What are we supposed to do? Just not leave the house for a few weeks?”

Fellow islander Rod Browne said he thinks people will be angry.

He said he feels it is unacceptable to close such a major road.

The 48-year-old said: “We are campaigning for a third road off the island and now they are restricting the roads that we have.

“What I would like to know is how can it take that long just to recalibrate the speed traps?

“However, it is somewhat better that it is not being closed during the day, that would be so much worse.

“I am a bit concerned about the impact of this on Benfleet and the surrounding areas.

“I understand that we need to get these things done but we need to remember the impact it has on us drivers.”

An Essex Highways spokesperson said: “Canvey Way is briefly closed in this way every year overnight from 9pm to 5am at the latest to allow Essex Police to test and calibrate the safety cameras which help keep road users safe.

“Emergency vehicles will be allowed through.”