A CAMPAIGNER is calling for more cameras after counting the number of cars speeding on a main Colchester road.

The calls come after the latest crash in Mersea Road, which saw a car hit a wall near E May & Son builders.

Residents are now calling for working speed cameras on both sides of the road before someone is killed.

The latest crash happened on Thursday night at about 9pm. It is understood a young woman was driving towards Mersea Island in the dark, but, as she was unfamiliar with the road, she decided to turn around.

As she was making the manoeuvre, a car coming from Colchester, collided with the turning car, which spun into the builders’ wall.

The campaigning resident said: “I have lost count of the number of crashes in the time I have lived here.

“Nearly all are speed related. It is a 30mph speed limit, not that anyone takes any notice. The normal speed seems to be 40mph to 50mph.

“Whilst waiting for the bus I counted 64 vehicles travelling towards Colchester, of which 48 set off the 30mph slow down sign.”

She said residents feel they are being put in danger because of a lack of action.

The woman added: “Trying to cross the road is so dangerous, many mothers and children have to do so to reach the school.

“Why should a family have to lose a mum, dad, brother, sister, son, daughter for action to be taken?

“Working speed cameras should be installed in both directions now, not once someone has made the ultimate sacrifice.”

E May & Son builders confirmed a wall outside the premises was damaged in the latest crash.

Firefighters were called to assist but no-one was injured.

Louise Ord, who lives near the Cherry Tree pub, said two of her cats have been hit by speeding cars in the last year.

She lost Nala, who was three, in February last year. She was left at the side of the road with a broken back.

Beauty, who is nine-months-old, was hit in September and lost a leg.

The cats are part of the Cat Lives Matter, a group trying to get cats included in the Road Traffic Act. At the moment, if a cat is hit drivers do not have to report it to the police.

Louise said: “It’s my choice to let my cats out, but it’s the speed.

“People race each other down by the school. I understand police have limited resources but someone is going to get killed.”

The Safer Essex Roads Partnership who said residents must approach the Local Highways Panel.