Clacton: Campaigners call for speed bumps

From the archive, first published Friday 13th Apr 2007.

Road safety campaigners are calling for speed restrictions following the closure of a nearby children's playground.

Residents in Flatford Drive, Clacton, are demanding speeds in the roads be reduced to 20mph, or speed bumps to be installed, after the closure of Flatford Drive play area has forced youngsters to play in the road.

Police carried out a speed survey on the road in 2003 after more than 200 residents signed a petition, but Essex County Council's highways department decided to keep the limit at 30mph.

However, Michelle Hyde, of Flatford Drive, said she now fears for her children's safety in the road because of the excessive speed of passing motorists.

She said: "The children's play park in Flatford Drive was closed and children are now out in the road playing around or playing football.

"I have my own children who want to play out, but I fear for their safety."

Essex County Council said it would consider any points brought before it by residents in relation to speed restrictions in the road.