CONTROVERSIAL “shared space” on Southend seafront is set to be reviewed by a Parliamentary inquiry after nearly 20 accidents in just five years.

Critics of the crossings installed in the City Beach area, in Marine Parade, and Victoria Gateway, near the station, say they have led to confusion between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

So-called shared spaces are any raised areas where the pavement and road have been made level.

Campaigners say they are a growing issue in towns across the UK, particularly for blind people and those with disabilities.

In October, the Women and Equalities Committee, chaired by MP Maria Miller, will hear evidence from campaigners as part of an inquiry into modern urban design.

Jill Allen- King, secretary of the Southend branch of the National Federation for the Blind, said Southend Council had “ignored” a 3,000 signature petition over the areas.

The 76-year-old said: “It isn’t just pedestrians, motorists don’t like it either. Nobody has got a right of way.

“You can’t use them because there are no crossings there. If you have got no crossings and you are blind you have got nothing to indicate where you are.”

Sarah Gayton, from the national Sea of Change campaign said the inquiry is a victory for those who have long argued that shared spaces are dangerous.

She said: “It has been a monumental effort to get the Government to acknowledge there was a problem.

“That’s massive. What people are led to believe is that they are safer, but in reality they are not.

“What we are saying is why not spend the money on proper crossing that help people cross the road safely?”

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