CUTTING speed limits by too much can cause frustrations for drivers and make the roads of Essex more dangerous, a roads chief has admitted.

James Hore

CUTTING speed limits by too much can cause frustrations for drivers and make the roads of Essex more dangerous, a roads chief has admitted.

The acknowledgment came as a review of speed limits across the county begins today in a bid to make the county safer for drivers.

There will be a review of the speeds on both urban and rural roads and Norman Hume, the councillor in charge of highways and transportation, admitted cutting the speeds can also cause problems.

Mr Hume said: “We know from evidence that excessive speed is more likely to lead to accidents and speeds which are too low can cause frustration to other road users and encourage others to take risks.

“This consultation is about trying to find a balance between the need for all of us to travel around conveniently whilst ensuring that appropriate speed limits are in place which meet communities reasonable aspirations for safety.

“I hope residents will tell us what they think to help us to deliver better and safer roads in Essex which we can all be more satisfied.”

The consultation lasts six weeks and copies of the Essex Speed Management Strategy have been sent to all parish, town and district councils and MPs.

Key points which the public are being consulted on in the strategy include -

n Identifying blackspots and ensuring consistent action is taken to prevent accidents in future.

n Ensuring the impact on all road users will be taken into account when determining rural speed limits

The council is also consulting with motoring, road haulage groups, the emergency services and other professional organisations.

A copy of the draft strategy is available at www.essex.gov.uk/newspeedstrategy.

A council spokesman said personal replies could not be guaranteed but all responses would be considered when putting together the final document.