DRIVERS have had their heads in a spin over contradictory speed limit signs.

In December 2016 the speed limit at the bottom end of Broad Road, Braintree, near Braintree College, was changed from 40mph to 30mph.

A stretch leading up to the roundabout heading towards Halstead was left as 40mph, however a sign appeared a few weeks ago stating otherwise.

Residents were surprised when a sign saying 'new 30mph speed limit in force' was put up on the left side of the road- opposite a 40mph sign.

Gerry Gardiner, of Broad Road, said the contradictory signs could cause an accident.

He said: "The changing of the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph had been going on for years.

"Lots of people lobbied for Essex County Council to do something about it- it took about three years and in the end they put up 30mph signs.

"However they wouldn't take the limit right up to the roundabout."

He said the new sign was amusing but dangerous at the same time.

He said: "I have never seen that happen before, I don't know how long it has been that way but it's a horrific mistake.

"If by some horrible chance there was an accident on that road with the signs still up they would be in terrible trouble, I think the signs have been like it for a while.

"The Association of Broad Road also contacted the county council- it's amusing, I just think how can a work gang walk away from that job and not notice?

"There's no explanation and you can't think of any kind of excuse.

"It's confusing and what it reflects is my intuition that the council's heart was never really in making this a 30mph road."

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Broad Road is indeed a 30mph road, having changed from 40mph in December 2016.

"We apologise for any confusion caused by the nearby 40mph sign, which will be removed in the next few days.”