Does Canvey Island need a third road?

Should there be a third road to get on and off Canvey Island? It's a question many are beginning to ask once again after work to replace gas pipes along the A13 between the Tarports junction in Benfleet and the busy Sadlers Farm roundabout, caused much of south Essex to be gridlocked.

The disruption saw long queues and lengthy delays on surrounding roads - including the A127 and A130.

Picture credit: Richard Newstead/Getty Images.

In response, Castle Point Borough Council says "We are aware of recent public statements that a task force was set up to pursue the provision of a third access route for Canvey, referred to as a "Canvey West Access Task Force", and that following a change of administration at Castle Point Council the task force never met again. This is not the case". They added: "The Council is strongly committed to working with partners to improve access onto the island. Work on this issue continues, including writing to the Transport Secretary earlier this year to press the case, and ongoing joint work across a multitude of forums and strategies".