CAMPAIGNERS have called to get a zebra crossing installed on a “dangerous” road branded as a “nightmare” for pedestrians.

Residents have been calling for extra safety measures on Parkeston Road, in Dovercourt, in a bid to slow down speeding drivers.

Ivan Henderson, Essex county councillor for Harwich, said: “First of all, there was quite a bit of concern around the safety of the crossing patrol lady as there were incidents where cars were speeding past and not stopping.

“It was dangerous and parents were really concerned and so was the nearby school.”

Mr Henderson got in touch with Essex County Council to get 20mph signs installed for drivers to abide by during school hours.

He said: “But we found since then that it’s still not working as there were still incidents which were very dangerous happening in out of school hours.

“The biggest concern is that the road is busy all the time and there is a huge amount of traffic going down the road at all times.

“It is close to a park, so even out of school times children still need to get across the road safely.

“I took the issue back to Essex Highways and had another survey carried out.

“Because of the increase in traffic they are saying there needs to be something permanently placed there.

“My preference would be to install a zebra crossing and now it is down to pushing Essex Highways to get it done as quickly as possible.”

Jenny Semple, who lives in Parkeston Road, said she also believes installing a zebra crossing will help calm the traffic.

She said: “I have lived on the road for 18 years and the traffic is just awful - in fact it’s a nightmare.

“If I try and cross the road with my dogs it takes me between five and ten minutes and it is terrible trying to get out of my driveway.

“The traffic has increased and there seems to be a lot of young drivers using the road as a race track. I think it will be really helpful to get a zebra crossing installed for these reasons.”

An Essex Highways spokesperson said the Tendring Local Highway Panel is dealing with this proposal for a pedestrian crossing on Parkeston Road. He added: “The first step was to carry out a survey of the number of people crossing on foot and the traffic volume on the road.

“Highway engineers will now evaluate the information and recommend possible improvements, if appropriate. Their report will be sent to Councillor Henderson as the Essex County Councillor for this area before it is formally submitted to the Panel for their decision.”