FRUSTRATED drivers have called for the firm behind roadworks on the A13 to face fines for not staying late to finish the disruptive work.

In April, three months of roadworks began between Tarpots and Sadlers Farm which saw a lane closure westbound towards the roundabout.

Earlier this week, a further lane closure was added eastbound from Tarpots towards Sadlers Farm, and as a result, drivers were hit with hours of delays.

Frustrations are growing among motorists as they claim that workers “haven’t been on site in the evening” despite the permit allowing them to work until 9pm.

Andrew Sheldon, Essex County Council councillor responsible for South Benfleet, has now passed on the “evidence” to Essex Highways to enforce fines.

He said: “Nothing frustrates motorists more than being stuck in traffic for roadworks and seeing no one working.

“I have now requested an inspector to be here every night at 8.30pm and if they are not working until the end of their agreed permit to 9pm, we will look to issue fines for every day they are not there.

“This is to ensure Essex and Suffolk Water finish their work as soon as possible and get off the road as soon as possible in the coming weeks.

“Thank you to residents who let me know about Essex and Suffolk Water not working until their agreed end time and to residents who supplied dashcam evidence of this that is being passed onto Essex Highways.”

Mr Sheldon says the current lane closure from Sadlers to Tarpots will be lifted by morning rush hour on Monday.

And this lane closure will now not take place until after the GCSE exam season.

The westbound closure from Tarpots to Sadlers will remain in place.

The firm behind roadworks also confirmed there will not be additional lane closures until July. 

A spokesman for Essex and Suffolk Water said: “We understand the frustrations any roadworks can bring, but this work will bring long-term benefits for this busy road network by removing a pipe from underneath the highway, reducing the potential for future unplanned road closures to deal with repairs.

“Our team has made good progress and is currently working a week ahead of schedule, which means we plan for the traffic management to reduce back to the single westbound lane closure as of 5am on Monday.

“We do not expect any additional lane closures to be in place until July, after the GCSEs. 

“We are working with Essex County Council on these plans and have been for more than a year. This includes working to plans and timings agreed with them and dictated by the permits they have issued us. This includes permitted working times between 7am and 9pm. 

“We understand the frustration that can come from seeing roadworks without visible activity taking place. This can be caused by pauses to allow new surfacing to dry, or where an element of work has completed more quickly than expected, prior to the next stage starting. We aim to minimise such instances where possible.”