Canvey residents demand change as "mindless" drivers could cause danger near primary school
Essex Highways says they are "aware of concerns"
“Mindless” drivers are racing through a residential Essex street outside a primary school, say furious campaigners. Residents and newly elected councillors are demanding action after raising concerns about speeding in Craven Avenue, Canvey Island.
The road has become a “rat run” and runs between Long Road and Thorney Bay Road on the island. The road is a residential street and stretches almost half a mile. It joins Long Road near William Read Primary School and at the other end it joins Thorney Bay Road near the entrance of Sandy Bay residential park.
Rachel Dixon, 33, said: “It’s so dangerous and I worry so much about the safety of children, families and older people. They race down the road at crazy speeds and it needs to be dealt with now. I think we need speed bumps or maybe even a camera installed.” She called the situation “shocking.”
Terry Webb, 67, added: “I’ve seen so many drivers whizzing down the road at dangerous speeds. We shouldn’t have to just put up with this, the county council needs to get a grip of this major issue. It’s so worrying and dangerous, it’s completely unacceptable.”
He said drivers use the road as a cut through, especially at peak times when traffic is bad.
Newly elected Reform UK councillor Keiron McGill said there’s been “multiple complaints” about the issue. Mr McGill, who represents Canvey Island East on Essex County Council, said residents fear crashes, especially with schools nearby.
A spokesperson from Essex Highways said: “We are aware of concerns raised by residents about traffic speeds in Craven Avenue and take road safety seriously. Speed surveys are carried out to determine whether a roads speed limit is sufficient. Current data indicates that the vast majority of vehicles are travelling within the 30mph speed limit.
“However, we recognise that on narrower residential roads speeds within the limit can still feel inappropriate for the conditions. We will continue to work with local councillors and the community to assess the concerns raised and take appropriate action where needed.