CCTV to combat abuse of workers at road scheme

CCTV cameras are being installed to protect workers who have been abused while completing a £2.39m road project.

Essex Highways said it was "completely unacceptable" that its contractors were being targeted by frustrated motorists in Dovercourt.

Drivers have faced a one-way traffic system in Kingsway since work to repave the road, home to a Wetherspoon pub and a library, began in June.

"We are taking this matter very seriously and will be installing CCTV on-site," Essex Highways said in a statement.

"If the situation continues, we will take the strongest possible action."

The multimillion-pound project is expected to transform Kingsway, which leads to the seafront at its south end, with new benches and trees when it reopens in the winter.

It is part of a wider £9m regeneration of the town in north-east Essex.

Work to repave Kingsway's eastern side was completed in September and contractors are now focused on the other flank, which is fenced off.

Parking has been suspended along the road in the meantime.

Essex Highways said scheduling the major project had been "very difficult" and that it recognised the inconvenience of the temporary traffic measures.

However, it stressed "it is impossible to avoid causing any disruption" when it came to large development.

"Unfortunately, there have been some instances of our workforce being abused, both online and on-site," a spokesman said.

"This is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Our workers are doing their best to deliver the scheme and should not have to endure abuse when simply doing their jobs."

Essex County Council has said improvements along the Kingsway corridor would "create a more inviting route" through the town centre.

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