A COUNCIL minibus carrying adults with learning difficulties crashed into a car after more confusion in Southend's shared space zone.

The minibus crashed into the back of a black Fiat Punto outside the newseafront emporium, which replaced Circus Circus, on Marine Parade at about 12.10pm yesterday after a pedestrian unexpectedly stepped into the road.

The crash happened on one of the road’s “courtesy crossings”, which are paved in a different way to a traditional zebra crossing.

Seafront traders say there have been too many crashes in the area and that normal crossings should be put in.

Martin Richardson, from the Happidrome, said: “We’ve to make them proper crossings with flashing lights and black and white stripes, otherwise this will keep happening.

“I also have CCTV videos of people driving across the pavement and we need railings to stop that happening, too.”

Justin Carmichael, of Southend Rock and Gifts, added: “This sort of thing is going to keep happening when you haven’t got an actual crossing there.

“The shared space isn’t in the Highway Code, so you can’t just plonk something like that there and expect people to know what to do, especially if they’re coming from out of town.”

Graham Longley, Southend councillor responsible for tourism, called for the courtesy crossings to be added into the scheme, which was devised by the previous Tory administration.

He said: “I did press for the courtesy crossings because there were strong feelings about the road at the time.

“However, while the traders are entitled to their views, I am confident the whole thing works perfectly, so people have to be aware of these crossings.

“They know people are likely to step out and motorists should drive appropriately.”

Andrew Lewis, the council’s director of place, said: “One of our passenger transport vehicles was involved in a minor collision with a car.

“No pedestrians and no one in the car or minibus was injured in this incident, which took place in the 20mph zone on Southend seafront.

“The minibus passengers were adults with learning disabilities who were on their way to Project 49, in Alexandra Street, Southend.

“They were returning from their weekly community cycling activity at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre. Because they were so near their destination, most were able to walk back to Project 49 after the accident.

“We sent a relief minibus for those not able to make their own way back, and have now recovered the damaged vehicle.”