PROGRESS is being made to install a zebra crossing on a “dangerous” road to make it safer for pedestrians.

Campaigners have been calling for the crossing in Parkeston Road, Dovercourt, in a bid to slow down speeding drivers.

Ivan Henderson, Essex county councillor for Harwich, said the campaign was launched after parents of children at nearby Spring Meadow Primary School raised concerns about the safety of crossing the road.

He said there were problems with speeding traffic and the crossing patrol worker being “ignored” by drivers.

The concerns were raised to Essex Highways which carried out a feasibility study

to look at how and where to put in the crossing earlier this year.

Now, the design work is awaiting confirmation of funding of about £9,500 by the Local Highway Panel.

Mr Henderson said: “It’s really good news because it’s been a long time coming.

“There needed to be something done to slow people down to get them to recognise the need to protect the safety of children crossing at school times.”

A speed survey was agreed for the road by the Highways Panel in 2013.

The results prompted attempts to make the road safer with speed warning signs designed to enhance the existing school crossing patrol signs.

The signs advise motorists to drive at 20mph when the lights flash.

Mr Henderson said: “I pushed on the Highways Panel for a long time about installing a crossing.

“It had to go through a feasibility study, and the really good news is that it has been completed.

“The next stage is the design work."

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “The feasibility study on the Parkeston Road zebra crossing has been completed, which means it looks as though it is a useful and practical scheme.

“The next stage is for the design work to be done, local residents to be informed and asked to comment, and an advert placed in the press.

“It may be that local issues, such as pipes and cables underground, could complicate the process.”