A PAIR of potentially dangerous roads are set to receive closer attention from police after a spike in the number of crashes.

Both the A134 which runs through the heart of Colchester and into the north of the borough and Great Horkesley, and Maldon Road in Stanway have been earmarked as accident black spots by Essex Police as there has been an increase in the number of collisions over the last three months.

Essex County Council is set to begin a widening project in Maldon Road next week which will see a dedicated right hand turn installed for visitors who are heading towards Colchester Zoo.

The project, which is expected to take more than three months, is expected to lessen queues which form as people going to the popular attraction block the carriageway as they wait for space to enter.

But borough councillor for the area Lesley Scott-Boutell (Lib Dem) said she was continuing to lobby for improvements at the dangerous junction of the road with Warren Lane.

The pinch point brings together people from surrounding villages trying to access the A12, visitors to the zoo, large vehicles from nearby businesses and people living in new homes at Tollgate meaning traffic is often heavy.

She said: “Originally Warren Lane was just that - a lane.

“Quite simply, it is not a well designed junction.

“Over the years I have been asking for developer contributions to make improvements at that junction and have spoken to Essex County Council about possible work being done.”

Police are planning additional focus and enforcement in a bid to cut the number of crashes according to a report released ahead of an Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel meeting scheduled to take place next week.

Ms Scott-Boutell added: “Anything which helps to keep my residents safe I will definitely support.”

In the last quarter across Essex, 14 deaths were recorded on the roads, while there were 22 serious casualties which was slightly up on the same period last year where there were six fatalities and another 228 people who were badly hurt.