A CRASH hotspot where a councillor warned “someone would die” is finally being tackled thanks to the introduction of a new “filter light”.

Essex Highways has confirmed that safety improvements are coming to the traffic lights at Tarpots, in Benfleet, where the A13 meets High Road.

A new directional green filter light will be installed this week after video footage of a severe crash last year highlighted the “confusing” current system was putting drivers at risk.

At the time Lynsey McCarthy-Calvert, People’s Independent Party for the Appleton ward, claimed that “someone will die” if the layout of traffic lights at a busy junction is not changed.

Temporary signals will be in place overnight tonight, with lane restrictions on High Road while works take place.

The new light sequencing will begin tomorrow once fully commissioned, followed by the removal of temporary signals Andrew Sheldon, Essex County Council councillor responsible for South Benfleet, had also raised several concerns around the junction over the years.

He said: “This is something I have personally been working on for a long time and I am pleased it is going ahead.

“The current configuration meets the legal guidance, but it clearly still leaves some drivers confused.

“This should make it absolutely clear, and I hope as a result we see an end to the accidents at the junction.”

The confusion comes as the light on the left, indicating left turn only, those in the middle lane also go forward - confusing it with their own green light. This has caused several crashes over the last couple of years.

A spokesman for Essex Highways stated: “Safety improvements are coming to the traffic light junction on the A13 London Road / B1006 High Road in Benfleet, with a new directional green filter light being installed.

“Temporary signals will be in place overnight on November 28, with lane restrictions on High Road while works take place.

“Access to Tesco Express will be via London Road.

“The new light sequencing will begin on November 29 once fully commissioned, followed by the removal of temporary signals.”