SOUTHEND seafront’s 20mph zone could be almost trebled in size, and speed cameras brought in to enforce it, if plans for a new £35million museum become a reality.

Transport chiefs at Southend Council have said tighter restrictions should be introduced to control the thousands of extra motorists who are predicted to head to the new attraction.

Councillors are hoping to soon decide whether to give the green light to the museum plans, although they still have to find the enormous amount of cash needed to bankroll them.

However, if the funding is found, the 20mph zone which currently covers Marine Parade will be extended nearly 900m into Western Esplanade, with the existing average speed camera network expanded to cover it.

In a report for councillors, a spokesman for the council’s transport department said: “The detailed highway design and layout should be agreed before the development commences. Highway works should include the extension of the existing 20mph speed restriction to the west, along Western Esplanade to the boundary of Gentings casino.

“The work would also include the relocation of the existing speed camera.”

Council chiefs estimate the new museum, which they hope to finish between 2018 and 2020, could attract up to 2,500 car-bound visitors a day.

To cope with the traffic, they plan to build a 220-space underground car park, with an entrance off Western Esplanade.

Bosses are confident this, combined with bus routes and the c2c railway line, will be enough to prevent the road becoming clogged up.

However, they want to extend the 20mph zone to reduce the risk posed to pedestrians.

The zone was created in Marine Parade last summer, following the controversial introduction of the £7.6million City Beach shared space area.

Average speed cameras, funded by Olympus KeyMed, were switched on in January to ensure motorists adhered to the new restrictions.

But drivers claimed the move was simply a money-making exercise.

Ryan Jones, 24, who drives along Marine Parade every morning as part of his commute from his home in St Andrew’s Road, Shoebury, said: “I can’t see why they need to be there. People go slowly anyway. It’s not a problem. They’re just there to make money.

“I’ll be really annoyed if they extend them. They’re just not needed.”