PLANS could be in the pipeline to improve road safety on one of south Essex’s busiest roads after a tragic crash.

Andy Mead, managing director of The Finishing Line Limited, Wharf Lane, Vange Wharf, Basildon said Essex County Council agreed to look into his serious concerns, after years of his campaigning.

It comes after employee Gheorghita Simcea, 56, from Basildon, died on her way to work at the firm on November 28 last year.

Mr Mead, 56, said: “I have been working to try and get the county council to improve the road safety.

“I have talked to them about speed restrictions, better lighting and signage at this part of the road.

“I met with them about two weeks ago and the council has agreed that it will carry out a survey to look into better lighting and signage.

“I have been warning the council about this for a while now.

“There have been other incidents in the road there.

“It has become a terrible situation. We have a good mini bus service for workers but they still insist on crossing the road to save time.” The concerned boss added: “I am looking into some sort of employment law to add it into our work contracts.

“I have had an email from Stephen Metcalfe MP who has backed my calls for speed restriction along the road.”

Ms Simcea’s inquest heard she was hit by a lorry and two cars on her way to work and died of multiple injuries.

She was pronounced dead at 5.51am on the eastbound carriageway of the A13 between the Five Bells Interchange and the Pitsea Flyover.

The inquest concluded that Ms Simcea died of multiple injuries as a result of a crash.

South Basildon MP Mr Metcalfe said: “It is a matter of time before another incident there.

“We cannot ignore this any longer, something must be done to improve the safety with the requirements of the road.

“A survey is a step in the right direction.”

Essex County Council, as the highways authority, was contacted for comment but no response was received by our deadline.