New proposals have been put forward to reduce the speed limits on various roads in the town centre and Lexden as part of plans drafted by Essex County Council.

It follows the government’s launch of the Active Travel Fund in 2020, which was designed to encourage people to walk and cycle more.

In 2021, Essex County Council was awarded £7.35m from the government as the walking and cycling trend continued following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gazette: All change – a map from Essex County Council showing all the roads (coloured red) which could have new speed limits introducedAll change – a map from Essex County Council showing all the roads (coloured red) which could have new speed limits introduced

The Active Travel Fund resulted in new temporary 20mph speed limits being put in place – and the council now intends to expand the scheme further by capping speeds in other parts of the town centre, including East Hill and Priory Street.

Numerous other roads, which are referred to in the council documents as school streets, have been earmarked for a speed reduction from 30mph down to 20mph – and may even be closed during certain times of day according to the new plans.

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Roads which may undergo changes include Oxford Road, Oaks Drive, Beverley Road, West Lodge Road, and The Avenue – all of which are sideroads off Lexden Road.

However, other roads which had their speed limit reduced to 20mph in 2020 could have their restrictions lifted.

The 30mph speed limit is planned to return on the eastern and western approaches to the Albert roundabout on Cowdray Avenue, as well as on the north and south approaches to the Essex Hall Roundabout.

Speaking about the plans, Councillor Martin Leatherdale, ward councillor for Lexden and Braiswick, pointed out residents’ views had to come first in light of the plans.

Gazette: Councillor Martin Leatherdale said he residents had to be put first as part of the consultationCouncillor Martin Leatherdale said he residents had to be put first as part of the consultation

He said: "It is very evident in an international context that we must pursue a greener and safer road infrastructure for the future of our children and the environment, whilst balancing the views of local residents who live and breathe the area they live in."

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: "A reduction in the speed limit in turn helps encourage residents to use more active forms of travel and benefits towns like Colchester as it helps reduce congestion.

"Introducing a 20mph speed limit in these parts of Colchester was also supported by 69% of the respondents to our Active Travel Fund consultation last year.”