A DRIVER is fighting for her life after a serious crash at a busy junction.

The two car crash took place yesterday morning on the A127 Southend bound carriageway at the junction near Kent Elms medical centre.

A black Ford C-Max and a white Mini Cooper collided shortly before 4.40am.

The driver of the Mini Cooper, a woman in her 20s, was taken to hospital with a head injury and her condition was described by medics as potentially life-threatening.

The crash meant the road had to be closed in both directions for several hours while forensic investigators examined the scene.

The incident has sparked concern for the safety of the junction which has only recently been the subject of a multi-million pound restructure.

Southend Council’s contractor, Eurovia, added an additional merger lane to the Southend-bound carriageway which they hoped would allow more vehicles to pass through each light sequence.

However, residents have voiced concerns that the additional lane has in fact made traffic worse at the major junction for the arterial road.

Carrie-Anne Butler told the Echo: “The amount of accidents are increasing with the changes the council have made to the A127.

“But they won’t take any responsibility.

“Since the lane merging, there are so many people nearly having accidents.

“The council should come down and monitor the horror they have caused for drivers and the poor residents.

“It’s about time they put the cameras on the traffic lights and then monitor people jumping a red light and speeding at the same time.”

Another resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “Southend bound, the merging lane is way too short and causes drivers to try and squash in. It’s not as bad on the London bound side but the other way, it’s just a nightmare. I see so many near misses.”

A driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

A 36-year-old man remained in police custody at the time the Echo went to print.

If you have any information please call us on 101 quoting incident 249 of November 11 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Due to a production error, this story was omitted from p8 of today's paper. The Echo apologises for any confusion caused.