A TRIAL one-way system meant to ease traffic around a train station has caused “the biggest backlog of queues”, it has been claimed.

Since February 1, cars are unable to turn to turn right from the mini-roundabout to enter Benfleet Train Station and are instead looping round via School Lane and Station Road.

Despite the 18-month pilot being introduced to improve pedestrian safety and ease congestion, Canvey and Benfleet residents have said the system has made traffic and parking even worse.

One Canvey resident said he would be making an official complaint to the Essex Highways team.

He said: “After three weeks I can now confirm the implementation of this one way system is causing the biggest backlog of traffic I’ve ever witnessed in my five years being on the island.

“This is a disgrace and I will be making a complaint.

“They are causing huge problems for thousands of people on the back of helping traffic flow for one single small road behind the station.”

Julia Silvester added: “People are still parking on the double yellow lines on Station Road and refusing to move despite blocking the road. There’s been a bit of a hooting match.

“This really needs to be sorted out or the whole point of the one way system has been defeated.

“There have been few days when it has been really hard to get out of the road. What used to let you out was cars turning into Station Road from either direction.

“Now they can’t do that; you have to wait for a break in the traffic and that can leave you sitting there for a long time.”

Castle Point councillor David Cross, of St Mary’s ward, said: “It’s always been the same. The roads are not built for the amount of traffic on the island.

“Try getting on or off the island between 5pm and 7pm on a weekday and you’ve got no chance.

“I definitely think the roads need to be improved as a whole, up and down the county they’re in a state, the pot holes are appalling.”

“It’d be nice if highways put some significant money into fixing them all, but I’m not holding my breath.”

Councillor Andrew Sheldon, also of St Mary's ward, said: "This is a trial, put in place to improve the safety of the thousands of commuters every day who cross the road behind the station to get to and from the school lane car park and Benfleet High Road.

"It used to be a right mess along there before this was put in place, particularly in rush hour, and I have had a lot of positive comments from commuters and cab drivers.

"That said, this is a trial and obviously any increase in delays it causes needs to be looked at. I urge all residents to  write to Essex County Council Highways with their views."

The trial system is expected to be in place for 18 months.