THE county’s highways boss has made a U-turn and decided to carry out a speed survey on a road in Basildon.

It will be carried out at Dry Street “within weeks”, after lobbying from residents, councillors and MPs.

It was initially decided no action would be taken on the stretch of road, that is commonly used as a cut-through to the A13, until its new 40mph speed limit had “bedded in”.

Now Basildon’s local highways panel has pushed to spend £250 on a speed survey.

Essex County Council’s highways boss, Rodney Bass, has also told Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, he will speak to police again to see if new safety measures should be introduced.

Mr Metcalfe said: “I fully accept he has to act both proportionately and within the legal framework laid down by law.

“I hope evidence will emerge to support a 30mph limit, but at this stage we will have to wait and not pre-judge the survey.” In May, 23- year-old Justin Bowman died after being struck byacar as he walked along the street.

His death triggered a campaign to bring the speed limit down to 30mph, but by that time Essex County Council had already decided to reduce the speed to 40mph.

Residents say 40mph is still too fast and have been continuing to campaign for action.

Mr Metcalfe added: “I, Basildon Council leader Tony Ball and Mr Bass are aware of how emotive this issue is and have great sympathy with the family and friends of Justin, who was sadly killed in Dry Street earlier this year.

“Our overriding aim is to ensure our roads are safe for all users.”

Kerry Smith, Ukip county councillor for Westley Heights, who is also on the Basildon local highways panel, added: “I would like it to be 20mph, but we have to be realistic – 30mph has more chance of being implemented.

“The council has agreed to pay the princely sum of £250 for a survey. All Rodney Bass has to do is start the procedure.”