More than £300 million will be invested to improve the “scourge” of Essex roads over the next three years.

The funding was confirmed as part of Essex County Council’s annual budget, confirmed yesterday (February 9) after a full council meeting.

Road surfaces, lighting and pavements will be the next “area of focus” for improvements, the council said.

Infrastructure councillor Rodney Bass claimed people countywide are already seeing improvements on the roads.

He added: “We know how important this is to people and to businesses and we intend to continue that trend, with our attention now shifting to tackling defects on urban and rural roads and estates, investing in better lighting and better footpaths.”

In 2016/17, £137 million will be invested.

The council could invest in new efficient LED lighting as the overall budget for highways rises 30 per cent.

The money is needed because roads are so important to so many people, said highways councillor Eddie Johnson.

He said: “We have listened when local people have told us that cracks and holes in the roads and pavements matter.

“We have listened when business has told us that getting from A to B easily and quickly helps them to prosper.

“We have listened to the partners who have said that alongside the new homes and jobs we desperately need good infrastructure.”

Finance councillor John Spence said: “The tough financial management we have exercised has enabled us to deliver a budget which we know will help to drive growth and the quality of life in our county, through capital investment in highways and infrastructure.”