SPEEDING drivers are putting the lives of vulnerable people at risk, it has been claimed.

Councillors and residents are calling for the speed limit along Little Gypps Road, Canvey, to be slashed from 30mph to 20mph in a bid to tackle the problem.

The Canvey Resource Centre offers support for people with learning difficulties. Longview Care Home is also based in the road.

Zoe Aspinall, 37, manager at Canvey Resource Centre, said she has witnessed cars speeding down the road.

She said: “The road is much busier now than it used to be. A new nursery has been built near our centre and that has contributed to the increase in traffic.

“There is definitely a safety concern for the vulnerable people living in the care home, the people with learning difficulties that we support and also all the young children at the nursery.

“I have heard people living in the road commenting on how fast cars drive along here.

“Other issues include problems with parking, which is something that I have experienced myself as a worker in the area.

“There is definitely a concern.”

Ray Howard, former deputy county councillor for highways and transport, has vowed to help tackle the problem.

The veteran Tory borough and town councillor said: “There is a serious problem with speeding on the island and across the county.

“Speed kills are we are always looking for ways for remind people of the importance of slowing down their speed but unfortunately there we still have that small percentage of people who will always go over the top with their speed when they are driving.

“There are vulnerable people using services in that road. I personally would like to see the speed limit lowered from 30mph to 20mph in an effort to stop speeding issues. in that road.

“I will always do my very best to help residents who have concerns and I am happy to take this up with the county council.

“There is a proper procedure to take when it comes to things like this. If residents and concerned people want to speak with me I can make sure that the county council carries out a traffic survey and that we consider any changes.

“I am also very aware that this is such a busy road partly due to the services.”

Essex County Council has not ruled out traffic calming measures.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “The best way to take these concerns forward is for residents to contact their local Essex County Councillor so that it can be considered at the Castle Point Local Highways Panel. It may be that the Panel can carry out speed surveys to fully understand the situation on the Little Gypps Road and consider any appropriate measures.”