There were over 40 cases of motorists ignoring closures on the A13 in Essex during 2015, Highways England has revealed.

Road workers are currently working on the improvement scheme to widen the A13 and M25 junction 30 near Thurrock.

The interchange is being overhauled to reduce congestion and improve safety.

However, a range of vehicles were witnessed driving into the worksite or ignoring carriageway closures during 2015.

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In June, an item was thrown from a moving vehicle which hit and damaged one of the road worker's vehicles.

Highways England project manager Lizzie Pauling said safety was the company's "top priority".

"We are concerned by the number of drivers choosing to ignore closures and putting their safety and the safety of others at risk," she said.

"The improvements to the A13 and M25 will improve safety and reduce congestion for the tens of thousands of drivers who use this section each day."

The A13 improvements scheme is due to be completed in autumn 2016.

(LM/MH)