Colchester: Northern Approach speed limit could reduce to 30mph

Essex Highways is bidding to change the 40mph speed limit on the A134 Northern Approach Road to 30mph. 

Essex County Council documents reveal the reduction would cover up to its junction with Boxted Road and to approximately 140 meters of Via Urbis Romanae which leads to the A12.

According to council documents, the reason for the proposed reduction is to “facilitate the introduction of the Rapid Transit System and associated pedestrian and cycle facilities”.

Northern Approach - Road surfacing work in August (Image: Will Bramhill) The multi-million-pound Colchester Rapid Transit System project plans to provide an environmentally friendly mode of public transport which travels from the A12 park and ride.

It will stop off at many key areas of Colchester and at locations such as Essex University.

The Northern Approach phase of the system, which is seeing a new busway, cycle facilities, and upgrades to the junctions along the corridor, was due to finish this summer but was delayed.

Now, Colchester motorists and councillors have shared their views on the plans.

Motorist Matthew Ford, 26, owner of M Ford Plumbing often drives his work van around the city.

Motorist - Matthew Ford (Image: Newsquest) He said: “I completely understand why it would go from 40mph to 30mph, especially with schools in the area.

“I have nearly had two accidents on that road from pedestrians just running across the road.

“You can’t have crossings every five minutes down the road but it’s quite a distance between the zebra crossings and stopping points, so people just run across it.

“I can understand why you would keep it at 40mph as it is a long stretch of road.

“But why hasn’t Cowdray Avenue been changed to a 30mph…that gets just as much traffic as Northern Approach.

“If you’re going to change one, wouldn’t it be best practice to change that road as well.”

The A134 Northern Approach falls within the Mile End ward of Colchester.

Councillor Martin Goss isn’t “surprised” by the planned speed reduction.

Mile End ward councillor - Councillor Martin Goss (Image: Submitted) Mr Goss said: “The change of speed limit has always been mooted for the road and project.

“There have been safety concerns raised previously as school children use this road for getting to and from school.

“Essex County Council has been asked previously to reduce the speed limit.”

Sarah Hughes, 50, is a driver who uses the road five days a week on her way to work at Colchester Hospital thinks the reduction will be worth it.

She said: “I think it is a good idea for the safety of the residents around and all that use the road.

“There are schools in the area, and some shops, it is fairly built up now.

“Safety is paramount in built up areas, I think the 30mph reduction is worth it.

“It doesn’t bother me if it adds onto my journey at all.”

Berechurch Councillor Dave Harris is steadfast in his commitment to backing the reduction.

Berechurch ward councillor - Councillor Dave Harris (Image: David Harris) Mr Harris said: “Having been a councillor where we lost a life, in the Blackheath area… I support the reduction.

“There is nothing worse than being told you have a death or accident in your area, I think the reasons given for the reduction are quite sound.

“I understand some drivers may be frustrated, but I get the facts behind why they would be changing it.

“For me, a few seconds extra on someone’s journey is worth it compared to losing a life.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Reducing the speed limit will help deliver a low-carbon mass transit system, making sustainable forms of transport such as cycling and walking much safer and more feasible.

"This is in conjunction with high-quality cycling facilities being built across Colchester.”