PLANS for new road safety measures at an accident blackspot have received a cautious welcome from residents.

An extra pedestrian island, upgraded street surfaces and better lighting are among a wide range of improvements proposed for New Wanstead - where nearly a dozen people have been injured in traffic incidents since 2006.

More pavement parking and improved signage are also set to be introduced as part of the £165,000 scheme for the street - which has an accident rate more than a third higher than equivalent roads in Redbridge.

Residents called for action to improve safety in New Wanstead last June after a driver lost control of his car near the junction with the High Street and smashed into a estate agents' office.

This was followed by another crash just weeks later in August, when a Ford Probe was flipped onto its roof after colliding with parked vehicles near the British Queen pub.

Barry Crace, 65, who has lived in New Wanstead for more than 50 years welcomed the plans but said they should not go too far.

He said: "It's a busy road so it's good that they're going to introduce some safety improvements, but they mustn't go over the top.

"New road surfacing and pavement parking will definitely be good, I welcome that, but sometimes the council can go overboard with these things.

"It's a balancing act."

Fellow resident Iqbal Mirza, 28, agreed. He said: "It gets really busy down here during rush hour and when the mums are picking up and dropping off their kids (at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School).

"New islands will make it easier to cross the road, which is good.

"They need to make sure the new (safety measures) don't make it harder for drivers though.

"I'm glad they're doing something. It gets mad down here sometimes."

The safety measures, which are being funded by Transport for London (TfL) will be considered by councillors at the next meeting of Area One committee on Monday night (March 29).

The meeting will begin at 7.15pm at Wanstead Church School in Church Path, Wanstead.