A CONTROVERSIAL change to the approach to a major roundabout has been reverted after reports of “numerous near misses”. 

Last month, the left-hand lane approaching the Vic House Corner roundabout on Kiln Road from Benfleet, heading into Hadleigh, was changed to “left turn only” by Essex County Council.

It was branded “an accident waiting to happen” and “unnecessary” by residents across the borough.

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However, weeks later the county council has relented and reverted the changes made to the left lane, meaning drivers can now use it to go straight across the roundabout, like they had previously.

Tim Copsey, a 51-year-old resident in the area, said: “I am pleased that Essex County Council have finally seen sense and reverted the left lane back to how it was for the roundabout.

“However, many of us would like to know why the changes were made in the first place.”

Since the layout was changed in November, residents on social media had been pushing to have it reverted back.

Essex County Council said they changed the layout because “vehicles were not always using the roundabout correctly, which was causing several accidents and issues”.

In a statement, a spokesman for Essex Highways confirmed the changes had been reverted.

The spokesman said: “The roundabout improvement scheme at Victoria House Roundabout has been reviewed with all appropriate audits and review processes undertaken since its installation.

“From the reviews, audits and comments received, alterations were carefully considered at this location and a very small amendment was undertaken within last night’s scheme works.

“The amendments made to this scheme have not removed all previously installed safety elements undertaken at this location.

“These small changes affected the left-hand lane on Kiln Road only. Within the changes we only removed the two left hand turn arrows and changed them to left and straight-ahead arrows, along with the sign to reflect this on the approach to the roundabout from Kiln Road.

“Design amendments made within the works were considered carefully and the minimal alterations were introduced to ensure the desired lane allocations and traffic flows around the entire roundabout from the original scheme have still been maintained.

“We will continue to review and monitor this scheme during the installation period.”