A CAMPAIGNER is demanding speed cameras in a key residential street linking the A127 and London Road in Westcliff after “very near misses with elderly and children”.

Resident, Sophie Williams, has launched the petition calling on Southend Council bosses to take action over speeding in Westbourne Grove, Westcliff.

She says residents feel speed cameras would make the area safer.

However, Martin Terry, deputy leader of Southend Council, is not convinced they would have the desired impact.

Mr Terry insisted that although the road is used by car cruisers, it is also used by hundreds of drivers a day as a key route between the A127 and London Road.

The petition reads: “Cars and motor bikes use the long stretch of Westbourne Grove that runs from A127 to London Road as a joyride.

“They frequently speed from lights from Fairfax Drive up to London Road.

“Many cats have been run over and some very near misses with elderly and children crossing the roads.

“We cannot have speed bumps due to being an emergency services and bus route.

“But as residents of the area we feel speed cameras would keep our roads safer and an income to pay for it for the council for those caught.”

Councillors representing the area also agreed there is an issue with speeding in the street.

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Kevin Buck, Tory councillor for Prittlewell and shadow cabinet member for highways, said: “I am aware residents are reporting issues with speeding in this road and I would support speed cameras here in principle as long as it’s needed.

“I’ve had a few residents come to me about and they are worried about how fast some motorists driver along the road. We take speeding in residential streets very seriously.

“It would need to be average speed cameras as they work on and cover the whole street.”

Council bosses say they acknowledge there is an issue with speeding but say speed cameras may not be the answer due to parking cars in the street.

Mr Terry said: “It’s a key road and there is an issue down there and a lot of car cruisers use that road.

“We need to do all we can to stop speeding in our residential streets.

I am not sure speed cameras will work but we may have to look at other options.”

To sign the petition, visit democracy.southend.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx The petition closes on October 1.