MOTORISTS claim new speed cameras at the Fortune of War roundabout are more of a hindrance than a help.

Many believe the new £250,000 resurfacing project is a waste of money and more effort should be made to straighten that part of the A127.

While the six-month project goes on, temporary cameras have been installed, and 40mph signs put up yards from existing 20mph signs.

Bob Rust, of The Slades, Basildon, said: "Until the road straightens out, the last thing it needs is a better road surface. The rougher the road, the slower the traffic flows."

Another motorist said: "The speed limits are confusing. I don't know whether I'm supposed to drive at 40mph or 20mph.

"You can't drive round it at 40mph anyway.

"There should be just one speed limit."

Joan Garside, 50, from Basildon, said: "Those cameras are really dangerous because there are no signs warning drivers they are there, just those stupid yellow lines.

"People are surprised when they spot the yellow box and have to brake hard. It won't be long before someone gets shunted.

"They should just get rid of the roundabout altogether."

Essex County Council said a road straightening scheme was out of the question because it would cost about £5 million.

A spokeswoman said the temporary speed measures were to protect workers and stop stones flicking up and damaging cars or the road surface.

Roberta Everitt, communications assistant from the Essex Safety Camera Partnership, said: "We want to make the road safer for our workers and warn drivers that this is going on."

He said the cameras would be removed in about six months.