FURIOUS residents are printing out fake 20mph signs and sticking them to lampposts as they campaign for the speed limit to be slashed on an A127 ‘rat run’. 

A crash on Oakwood Avenue, Leigh, on Monday left a woman in hospital with a serious injury and residents have claimed this is “one of many” incidents in the street. 

Now, the residents are joining forces and working with Belfairs councillor Stephen Aylen to call on Southend Council to introduce a new 20mph speed limit to tackle the issue. 

Southend Council has stated at this stage there is not enough evidence to take urgent action. 

Frustration - Stephen Aylen and residents Frustration - Stephen Aylen and residents (Image: Stephen Aylen) Mr Aylen has written to the council and has even gone a step further by suggesting the A127 junction with Oakwood Avenue should be closed. 

Mr Aylen said: “Residents want to see something done.

“They could put in a temporary 20mph speed limit, which we all know would really slow them from 50 miles per hour to 30 but for those living there, it will show them someone is listening.

“They are fuming that no one is listening, they are questioning me and I am trying to do something.

“Residents are putting up their own 20 miles per hour signs down the road, creating their own, and it is symbolic to bring attention to the problem, show something must be done and embarrass the council.”

Mr Aylen added that he intends to keep supporting residents in making their voices heard on the issue.

Daniel Cowan, Labour council leader, said: “While I understand the concern from the recent collision in Oakwood Avenue, we are yet to receive any information from police in terms of their investigation or report, therefore it would not be correct for us to comment further on this at this stage.

“I have reviewed the collision data for this road and, prior to this collision, there have been no personal injury collisions reported on this road for the last five years.

“Therefore, at this stage we would not be taking any immediate action, but we will continue to monitor the collision data and information we receive from police before determining if further action is required.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to a collision involving two vehicles in Oakwood Avenue, Leigh, at around 10.45am on Monday.

“A woman suffered a serious injury which is not life-threatening and was taken on to hospital for treatment.

“Our enquiries are ongoing.”