A NEW group is calling for speed limits to be lowered to 20mph across Colchester following the tragic deaths of two young people. 

The “Twenty’s Plenty” group has formed in the city, citing the deaths of Alliyah Bell and Taylen Ireton as examples that should fuel the change. 

A jury found Daniel Chappell, 37, of Prince Philip Road, Colchester guilty of death by careless driving after he ran over 19-year-old Alliyah on Hythe Hill in August 2021. 

Alliyah was thrown 25 metres down the road and run over by Chappell’s car, which was travelling at 39.5mph in Hythe Hill. 

Alliyah Bell died after being hit by a car in ColchesterAlliyah Bell died after being hit by a car in Colchester (Image: Family)

Last month Taylen Ireton, 13, lost his life in Mersea Road.

Residents and parents who use the road have voiced their concerns about safety on the road for some time. 

The teenager’s death inspired a petition which now has more than 1,200 signatures and is calling to get the speed limit along the 2.5-mile road down 20mph. 

Taylen died after being hit by a car in Merses Road last monthTaylen died after being hit by a car in Merses Road last month (Image: Newsquest)

Members of Colchester Cycling Campaign (CCC) have spoken out in favour of the proposal of an area-wide speed reduction to 20mph instead of introducing zones across the city. 

Will Bramhill of CCC said: “We support them strongly. It’s probably the single most important thing that Essex County Council can do to improve the safety of cyclists on our roads. 

Cyclist - William Bramhill is in favour of the group's demandsCyclist - William Bramhill is in favour of the group's demands

“We back the area-wide 20mph. We don't want to see 20-mile-an-hour zones cause they're pretty pointless, a waste of money and they annoy drivers, they annoy drivers more than anything else.” 

The movement “Twenty’s Plenty” was formed in 2007 and has been campaigning across the nation for more road safety and speed reductions in towns and villages. 

Supporting 700 local groups, the not-for-profit Community Interest Company is striving to follow Wales where a national 20mph default for residential roads was implemented in 2023. 

The inaugural meeting of the Colchester “Twenty’s Plenty” group will take place on October 5 at 1pm at the One Colchester Community Hub in Long Wyre Street. 

The meeting is open to anyone who wants to attend.