A speed limit of 20mph is to be introduced in a number of roads in a bid to improve safety.

The traffic calming scheme for the Dutch Quarter area of Colchester will also see speed cushions and waiting restrictions enforced.

Speed cushions are similar to speed humps and are a pair of raised humps side by side which force cars to drive over the top of them, rather than being able to drive around the side.

Colchester Council has said it plans to bring in the new restrictions to not only improve safety in the area but also for local environmental reasons.

Norman Hicks, the council's highway network manager, said: "It is basically to slow people down. There will be a 20mph zone but we will also be putting things in to physically slow them."

Mr Hicks said the historic appearance of the Dutch Quarter meant special care had to be taken when planning such a scheme.

"It is being done with design sensitivity. The materials used are supposed to be in keeping with such a desirable area."

Published Friday, January 31, 2003

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