A SERIES of serious car accidents on our roads has led to calls on highways authority Essex County Council to take urgent action.

Putting in speed bumps and more speed cameras are both popular suggestions, but their costs at a time when resources are tight make them less likely.

However, a much simpler solution has been suggested — make all residential roads 20mph zones.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents claims 20mph zones are very effective at preventing injuries.

The society wants to see them used more widely in residential areas.

It has called for making roads safer to be a priority of local councils.

However, residents are not so keen on the blanket 20mph speed limit being introduced.

Martin Richardson, 51, of Canvey, said that there needs to be improvements to driving standards.

He said: “How many people do you see driving that are not in control of the car?

“We also need better education of the road from a early age.

“Even the parents need to take those extra steps to make sure they are making the crossing of the roads with children is safe.”

George Kaylor, 21, of Pitsea, said: “It wouldn’t make a difference if it was 20mph.

“Some people just step out into the road and you have no time to stop regardless of the speed.

“I think 20mph should be around primary schools and operate during school hours but then go up to 30mph after school hours.

“More should be done to teach people about the Highway Code and crossing the road safely.”

Paul Dodd, 59, of Basildon, said: “I do think that there is blame on both sides and I’m not sure the change in road speed will help.

“Even though they risk six points, I still see lots of drivers using their mobiles phones.

“Over the years I’m increasingly having to come to a total stop as someone erratically? wanders out into the road without looking or even taking their eyes away from the screen of the mobile phone.”

However, resident Pat Rackley, of Devonshire Road, Laindon, said that nearby Lincoln Way is used as a cut through by drivers who often race along it.

She said: “I do think a 20mph speed limit could be a good idea.

“There have been a lot of accidents along here recently — only the other day I nearly hit a motorcyclist who just appeared from nowhere.”

Ian Grundy, Essex County Council’s councillor responsible for highways, said each road should be looked at individually to see what would work best to make it safer.

He said: “Road safety is a key priority for this council.

“Every road is different and that is why we have Local Highways Panels to ensure money is spent using local knowledge to solve local road issues.

“A blanket 20mph speed limit in residential road is not necessarily the best way to make all roads safer.

“A recent study in Manchester has found that in many cases speeds have increased following the introduction of a 20mph limit.

“Near some schools an effective measure has been an advisory limit, supported by signage stating ‘20s Plenty’.”

 

**The crashes pictured are used for illustrative purposes only and may not be the result of speed.