PARENTS have launched a petition in a bid to get the speed limit outside their homes reduced to 30mph.

They say increased traffic levels along The Causeway in Great Horkesley, which is part of the A134, have become hazardous.

They claim more motorists are using its side roads as rat runs.

While there is a 30mph speed limit through most of Great Horkesley, it increases to 40mph for about a mile between the post office and the Rose and Crown pub.

Mum-of-two Morwenna Sudbery, is among the campaigners whose home is on the faster stretch of The Causeway.

She said: “You cannot walk to the shop or neighbour because you don’t feel it is safe.

“A lot of people have got children and feel they are taking their lives in their hands.

“Some parents don’t allow their children to go to the bus stops without them escorting them.

“We have got heavy, fast traffic and dangerous junctions. Because it is 40mph, people tend to go above what it is.”

Mrs Sudbery said another issue was the pavement only being on one side of the road.

“The side the pavement is on changes so you have to cross the road,” she added.

Residents say problems worsened when the new Colchester junction off the A12 leading to motorists using Boxted Road, which is off The Causeway, as a rat-run to it.

Campaigners also want other traffic calming measures to be introduced.

The petition is backed by Great Horkesley Residents’ Association.

Secretary Grahame Stehle said: “Traffic through Great Horkesley has grown significantly in recent years and near misses are common place as drivers either ignore the speed limits, fail to observe traffic signs, and use rat runs that are unsuitable for heavy vehicles.

“The Great Horkesley Residents’ Association has volunteers who clean dirty signs and participate in Speed Watch but, whilst these efforts are welcome and appreciated, sadly they are largely cosmetic.

“What we can’t fix are the signs that are missing or inadequate, those that are hidden by vegetation, and those that have been damaged as a result of reckless driving.”

The petition is here.

Paper copies are also in The Wine Centre and Village Shop, both on The Causeway.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “We have been working closely with Great Horkesley Parish Council to improve safety on local roads.

“Roundabout warning signs are to be installed and vegetation on some verges will be cut to improve visibility by the end of this month.

“Requests for the Local Highways Panel to monitor speeds along the A134 have also been proposed and will be considered immediately."