Have You Got The Hump Over Speeding In Victoria Avenue?

Residents in Victoria Avenue, may remember hearing from Essex County Council last year, asking for their thoughts on traffic calming measures in Victoria Avenue, following a traffic survey.

I also surveyed residents and went door to door to find out for myself what residents thought, instead of using the faceless ‘consultation’ methods that Councils tend to use. On the whole, conversations went well with the majority of residents wanting some method of traffic calming along Victoria Avenue. One thing, that Essex County Council failed to find out though was that traffic calming is very much needed on the northern side of Cheapside West which I duly fed back to Essex Highways.

So what’s actually happening? Not much in the short term…

I’ve followed this up with Essex County Council Highways in recent days and this is the response I’ve received.

Good morning Cllr Newport

Following a consultation with the residents of Victoria Avenue, there were mixed opinions Re. the introduction of speed cushions but the majority of residents were not supportive (I believe this was because speed cushions have the potential to create noise and vibration, which can be heard and felt in residences nearby); however, it was suggested that an alternative method of traffic calming would be welcome. Our Design Team are therefore looking into whether buildouts or chicanes would be a suitable option and if so, the scheme will be presented to the Rochford Local Highway Panel (LHP) in September for consideration.

I am unable to comment on timescales at this point as this will likely be a costly scheme to implement, which means that funding will not be available until the next financial year (2020/21).