Another round in the lengthy battle over a speed limit for the Northern Approaches Road (NAR) has been fought out.

A 40mph limit has once again been backed for the new road which bisects Myland, Colchester.

The decision for the limit was approved by members of Colchester Council Cabinet last month but the move was called in by Anne Turrell (Lib Dem, Myland), who backs the lower 30mph limit.

The 40mph limit was once again backed at a meeting of the council's overview and scrutiny panel last night.

Despite her defeat Mrs Turrell said she will keep on fighting.

Defending the 40mph limit transport portfolio holder Christopher Arnold said if the NAR speed limit is set at 40mph it will attract a significant amount of traffic from using Turner Road.

He said the NAR was a much safer environment for this traffic than Turner Road which he said was used by a significant number of children and visitors to the High Woods country park.

Mr Arnold said fences on the NAR would prevent pedestrians appearing in the road "willy-nilly" and the road was not a route to school. He added any children making journeys across the road would have signal-controlled crossings.

Tim Young (Lab, St Andrew's) said: "We supported the 30mph limit as we think it would have been safer. We're dissapointed the overview and scrutiny panel did not back that option."

Also present Elizabeth Blundell (Con, Copford and West Stanway) said: "I thought it had been well tested and well researched and it will provide the safest route and keep the traffic moving at 40mph."

Speaking outside the meeting Mrs Turrell said: "I am angry. Myland is more than Turner Road. I will keep bringing this up as much as I can."

Other candidates for Mile End ward in the Colchester Council elections: Jane Chinnery (Ind), Janet Smith (Lab), Mary Bryan (Green), Shahid Husain (Con). For St Andrew's: Jeremy Jepps (Soc All), Jennifer Berriman (Lib Dem), Anne Allan (Con). For Copford and West Stanway: Anna Trudgian (Lab), Anthony Scott-Boutell (Lib Dem), Patrick Mead (Ind).

Published Wednesday, April 9, 2003

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