A120 speed limit could be cut from Marks Tey to Braintree

National Highways wants to slash the 60mph speed limit between Marks Tey and Braintree to 50mph.

A consultation has been launched and is currently underway.

Parts of the road have become accident blackspots.

Last month, Essex Police confirmed that a pensioner had died after a crash on the A120 near Coggeshall on August 13.

The road was subsequently closed between Marks Tey and Marks Farm roundabout.

Road - the A120 heading towards Marks Tey (Image: Google Maps)

The A120 was closed in both directions between the Marks Farm roundabout since just before 5pm on March 26, as a man was rushed to Broomfield Hospital following a crash.

In July 2023, the A120 near Marks Tey came to a standstill for more than five hours following a crash involving a lorry and a car.

Marks Tey and Layer ward councillor Jackie Maclean said: “60mph has worked for so long, but it is always too congested anyway - 50mph would be acceptable.

Ward Councillor - Jackie Maclean

“With all the traffic problems we’ve got, you can’t move anyway can you.

“I wouldn’t mind it being 50pmh, but we need to move things on, everything is gridlocked.”

Coggeshall ward councillor Tom Walsh thinks it is a good idea but it should be reconsidered at some junctions along the road.

He said: “I think it is sensible to simplify and standardise the speed limit to 50mph as a general default but with one major exception.

“For example, coming into Coggeshall, one junction is very dangerous from Earls Colne to Coggeshall, it should remain 40mph, I believe it has a high accident rate.

“Permission has been given from Essex County Council for a large incinerator at Rivenhall Airfield, there is a dedicated road for this.

"When it starts operating in 2025 up to 404 additional lorry movements a day will be coming along.

Area - The A120 near Braintree (Image: Google Maps)

“Some will turn off the A120 near Bradwell, so it will be silly, if you have a 50mph speed limit there.”

A spokesman for National Highways said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we are currently consulting with local residents on a potential speed limit reduction between Braintree and Marks Tey.

"We are asking for people in the area to engage with us to discuss lowering the speed limit to reduce the number of collisions on the A120.”

There are also plans in place to make the A120 between Horsley Cross and Parkeston 50mph.

It includes a 21-day consultation period which ends on September 20 and work is expected to begin this autumn.

The Gazette has contacted National Highways to specify the exact consultation ending date for the A120 speed reduction between Marks Tey and Braintree.