Benfleet accident sees car crash into metal barrier

Emergency services were called to Tarpots, in London Road, in Benfleet, this morning during rush-hour after a car crashed into metal barriers near a bike shop. Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police were called and made the scene safe, but no-one was trapped or injured. However, the fire service say they have since reported “a large patch of black ice” to Essex County Council Highways, which may have caused the crash.

This comes after reports of a water leak outside the bike shop overnight which had turned into “black ice”. Rebecca Harris, Castle Point MP, warned residents the water leak could cause a hazard if icy weather hit overnight. Andrew Sheldon, Tory Essex county councillor responsible for South Benfleet’s county councillor, said: “There was a crash where a car dented the barriers.

“The road was gritted extensively last night, but the water coming out was too much. I contacted Essex and Suffolk Water to get an emergency team out.” A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our crew from Rayleigh Weir reported a large patch of black ice and our control room contacted Essex Highways.”

An Essex Highways spokesman added: “We are aware of reports of a water leakage at this location. “With very low temperatures across the county, water leakage can create black ice and unsafe travelling conditions for road users. “We carry out two gritting runs per day in each Essex district to help ensure safe conditions for our residents.”

A spokesman from Essex and Suffolk Water said: “We are aware of a leak at Tarpots, Benfleet and our technicians are on site repairing it, this is expected to continue into this evening. “Traffic management is in place to keep the area safe while we carry out this work. We are aiming to repair the leak and with the help of our partners, have the area back to normal tomorrow.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience while we are on site.”