A COUNCILLOR has called for an investigation into a bungled £400,000 scheme to introduce a 20mph zone in Thorpe Bay.
The scheme which would have seen either a blanket 20mph speed across the ward, or specific roads singled out for new speed limits.
The plans which would have been funded by money from central government, were rejected by councillors at a vote on Wednesday evening.
READ MORE
- Banned south Essex M&S driver crashed into historic buildings causing hours of delays
- Two men arrested in connection with Southend fatal 'hit-and-run' investigation
Conservative councillor James Moyies has called for an investigation into the behind the scenes decision making for the scheme.
“The whole thing has been a mess from the start,” he said.
“We have caused distress to residents and have spent a year going through this, probably to end up with the right decision, but how did we get here?
He added: “We get half a million pound from government… and for some reason we decide to spend it on two wards out of 17 - £100,000 in Leigh and £400,000 in Thorpe.
“Who made those decisions? I think an investigation needs to be done to find out who decided that two wards would get all the money, in areas that do not have particularly unique speeding issues.”
Councillors voted to scrap the scheme following a public consultation which saw residents overwhelming voice opposition to the plans.
Residents were presented with two possible schemes, both of which would have limited vehicles to 20mph.
Almost 500 people responded to the consultation with 18 per cent supporting the first option and 42 per cent choosing the second.
A total of 71 per cent of respondents thought that speed was not an issue.
Councillor Daniel Cowan said: “We have to respect the results of the consultation.
“If there are individual roads that need changing, then we can look at those again.
“But we need to draw a line under this scheme as residents clearly do not want this to happen.”
Councillor Ron Woodley, independent councillor for Thorpe Ward who spearheaded the scheme, questioned why the consultation had been open to residents across the city, insisting Thorpe Bay residents wanted a speed limit.
“Speeding is a massive issue,” he said.
“At the junction of Parkanaur Avenue and Fermoy Road there has been 14 accidents in the last five years.
“There have been accidents at most of the junctions.
“Yet we are going to nothing even though it is recognised there is speeding on these roads.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel