26-04-2025
Temporary traffic lights outside south Essex school spark 'disruption' concerns
TEMPORARY traffic lights could be in place on South Benfleet's Kents Hill Road for almost a week as UK Power Networks carry out emergency works.
According to the permit for the works, the temporary traffic lights could be operating outside Holy Family School until Friday.
The works have been described as potentially "very disruptive" by Conservative Essex County Council councillor for South Benfleet, Andrew Sheldon, who has vowed to look into the works.
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"Thank you to those who sent me photos of the UK Power Networks on Kents Hill Road by Holy Family School," said Mr Sheldon.
"These were news to me and are emergency works. I have looked up the emergency permit and it says the temporary lights could be there until 2nd May.
"This would be incredibly disruptive and I am trying to get hold of UKPN regional head office to discuss this urgently but they are legendarily hard to get hold of at the weekend. I will keep trying and will update residents where I hear more."
Disruption - Mr Sheldon is looking to organise a visit from a council inspector (Image: Andrew Sheldon) Mr Sheldon also pointed to impact on driving as result of the work and said he is looking to arrange a visit from a council inspector.
"Another big issue is the position of the works is forcing drivers to drive over the potholes on the edge of the bus stop that there is due a road closure to fix in two weeks time and is breaking them up quicker," he said.
"I am going to see if I can get an inspector down to see if it warrants an emergency 'make safe' temporary fix to stop if breaking up more. If there is a temporary make safe repair however, it will not stop the permanent repair from happening on the 14th May."
UK Power Networks have been contacted for comment.
