Accident toll may lead to reduced speed limit (From Echo)

Accident toll may lead to reduced speed limit

5:51am Tuesday 23rd October 2007 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

A REDUCED speed limit could be introduced on a busy road following a spate of accidents.

Essex County Council highways officials may soon ask residents in Rawreth Lane, Rawreth, what they think should be done to make the area safer. Part of the road is currently unrestricted and part has a 40mph limit.

The news comes after parish councillor Rita Coombs voiced concern over two teenage boys involved in accidents on the road in the past two months. Chris Black, who represents Downhall and Rawreth on Rochford District Council, said since the new Asda store had been built nearby, traffic had increased and the situation kept getting worse.

He added: "We've got the new traffic lights by Asda and the traffic islands in the middle of the road. Because of delays, I've had complaints people are driving on the wrong side of the traffic islands to jump the queue."

Mr Black said he would support consultations, adding: "The pavements aren't very well lit and are narrow.

"There is too much traffic down there and it needs to be looked at."

Dave Lawrence, an Essex County Council highways engineer, said: "We are looking at doing a study on speed limits along there to see if it is appropriate to alter them."

Officials will also look at improving run-down pavements near the store.