SPEED reduction campaigners have received a boost from Boris Johnson.

The Mayor of London wrote to Denise Briggenshaw after she asked for his help to reduce the limit in Dry Street, Basildon, to 30mph.

Mrs Briggenshaw, 46, of The Upway, started a campaign after family friend Justin Bowman was fatally injured by a car while walking along the road in May.

Although Mr Johnson cannot change rules outside London, he sympathised with Mrs Briggenshaw.

He said: “I was sorry to hear about Justin Bowman’s tragic death and my thoughts and sympathies are with his friends and family.

“I do not know the specific circumstances of this road, but, as a keen cyclist, I am fully aware of the dangers vulnerable road users face, and appropriate speed limits are an effective measure for reducing casualties.

“In the capital, Transport for London and I strongly support the introduction of measures to better manage speeds and compliance with speed limits, for example, by funding the installation of 20mph zones on local and residential roads.

“I hope a solution can be found that addresses your concerns about the road in question.”

Last week, Mrs Briggenshaw joined forces with protesters against developing on Dry Street green land in a bid to bolster each campaign’s effectiveness.