Plea For Action - Leigh-on-Sea

Share this story!

Leigh On Sea News: Plea For Action – A CRASH “hotspot” where walkers reportedly dodge speeding cars is the subject of a new petition.

Plea For Action - A CRASH “hotspot” where walkers reportedly dodge speeding cars is the subject of a new petition.

A CRASH “hotspot” where walkers reportedly dodge speeding cars is the subject of a new petition.

Rochford Councillor James Newport has joined voices with those demanding Essex County Council take action over Beeches Road.

According to residents, there have been at least 15 collisions in recent years on this “extremely dangerous road.”

Coun Newport, of for Downhall and Rawreth ward, said: “Beeches Road has a long history of collisions and near-misses.

“Residents have raised concerns for over a decade, yet Essex County Council continues to dismiss calls for safety improvements—citing narrow definitions and outdated data thresholds.

“We believe this approach puts lives at risk.”

Essex County Council claim that a decision to act has to be data-driven, and that the data for the road does not meet the threshold; a response Mr Newport says does not meet the dangers Beeches Road evidently faces.

Mr Newport said: “I contacted Essex County Council over resident’s concerns and I’ve been told that they do not have the resources to do anything as their data indicates the incidents are not frequent enough. Obviously, residents are not happy about that.”

Coun Newport’s campaign aims to force Essex County Council to take action, with the online petition calling on them to enact a number of measures, including the installation of appropriate traffic calming measures, such as improved signage, road narrowing, and visibility enhancements.

To reflect the real-world risks that Coun Newport and other residents feel the road poses, the petition is demanding a review of the road’s collision history beyond just the last three years that are currently taken into account.

They are also asking for the council to reinstate public access to submit new Local Highway Panel (LHP) scheme requests, funding what campaigners call “preventative improvements, not just reactive ones.”

Coun Newport added: “This isn’t about stats. It’s about people’s safety.”

He continued: “If you agree that Beeches Road and our local roads deserve action — not excuses —add your voice. I’m not letting this go.”

To sign the petition, visit: https://link.jamesnewport.co.uk/beechessafety

Picture: Beeches Road. Pic Google Maps

about author

Editor