Parking restrictions will be imposed on a layby outside a petrol station in an effort to improve road safety.

Drivers will no longer be able to park on the small layby to the east of the BP garage's exit on to London Road, near Chalkwell Park.

In addition, one parking space west of the exit will also be removed to improve visibility.

Residents complained to the council after seeing some motorists accelerating at a dangerous speed as they left the garage and turned right on to London Road.

Initially, the council proposed forcing drivers leaving the forecourt to turn left only by building a barrier in the middle of the road, but BP complained, saying it would affect its business.

Instead, it was decided to limit parking near the garage because many drivers had complained they struggled to see the traffic on the A13 due to the parked cars around it.

Southend firm KeyMed, which has a long history of supporting road safety projects, has agreed to pay for the scheme to help improve road conditions.

The company offered the cash at the request of Ian Robertson, the ward councillor.

No objections were received to the scheme, which will be discussed by councillors on Thursday next week.

Ian Robertson said: "It came up at one of the Chalkwell residents' meetings.

"People used to park all along the way and it was affecting the line of sight of drivers leaving the forecourt.

"It's a very congested and busy road.

"We have put a few bollards there to stop them parking there.

"We are going to watch the situation for the next few months. I'm not totally sure it's 100 per cent safe yet.

"We considered banning a right turn, but some people would turn a blind eye and still try to turn right which would be even more dangerous."