Schools lined up for anti-speed scheme

Plans have been announced for speed reduction measures, including speed bumps and cameras. There are also calls for the speed limit outside schools to be cut to 20mph.

Castle Point’s local highways panel is planning the measures, to be funded by Essex County Council cash.

One would spend £2,300 putting in speed bumps along Church Road, Hadleigh, near Hadleigh Junior School.

The school’s headteacher, Debbie Allen, said: “Outside our school we have a crossing patrol lady and she has had a few nearmisses with cars recently.

“It has left her feeling vulnerable.

“From the school’s point of view, we would support anything that is going to help the safety of our children.

“HoweverIam fully aware the council will also have to consult residents about the most appropriate measures to take.”

Another scheme, could involvea£300 speed survey in Daws Heath Road, Thundersley, near the Deanes School.

Headteacher Jan Atkinson, said: “We would absolutely support some form of traffic calming. We encourage pupils to cycle to school as part of a healthy lifestyle, but Daws Heath Road gets very busy at key times.

“In the past, there have been near-misses. This really could not come soon enough.”

Simon Hart, a Tory Castle Point councillor, who lives in Daws Heath Road, agreed action was needed.

He said: “I hear the noise some of the cars make along there.

“Late at night especially, they whizz past. I have received a number of complaints from residents.

“There is also an issue during the day and we have concerns for the safety of children arriving and leaving school.”

In Kents Hill Road, Benfleet, councillors are looking to extend the existing 20mph zone along the length of the road.

Two options have been put forward. One involves a £300 speed survey and £2,000 of traffic-calming measures.

The second option also involves a speed survey, but also earmarks £10,000 to get an ordering extending the 20mph zone and put up more signs.