MORE than 100 people have signed a petition to stop speeding down their “rat run” road.

People living in Rectory Avenue, Ashingdon, fear the problem is getting out of control and are worried if something is not done soon, someone will get killed.

Pamela Dane, who has lived in the road for 29 years, says she is fed up with the road being used as a cut through and started the petition, which already has 128 signatures.

Mrs Dane said: “It has been a problem for years.

"People are going down the 30mph road at 60-70mph.

"All neighbours agreed something needs to be done about it, one neighbour recently had a motorist go into a bush and nearly his house, another said a motorist went straight into the railings in front of their flat.

“When I walk down the road with my grandchildren I’m terrified, it’s really dangerous.

"The cars zig-zag in between the parked cars.”

The retired grandmother says the council have send workers in the past with speeding guns and charts, but still nothing has been done.

Drivers use the road as an alternative route to Ashingdon Road.

The residents would like signs, road markings or chicanes put on the road to make drivers aware they must slow down.

Mrs Dane added: “We want them to slow down and we also don’t want our road being used as an alternative route to Ashingdon Road anymore.”

Essex Highways said there are currently no plans to tackle the problem in Rectory Avenue.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “Currently there are no plans to introduce additional traffic calming measures in Rectory Avenue, however, concerned residents can contact their local county councillor who can make representation to the Rochford Local Highways Panel on their behalf.

"As ever, we urge motorists to observe speed limits and drive within the law at all times, particularly in built up areas.”