ALL Southend residential roads will have a 20mph speed limit under radical plans to improve the environment and improve safety.

Southend councillors are to discuss plans to reduce the current 30mph speed limits across the borough.

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of the council said: “The amount of speeding that takes place is frightening. I walk a lot and I see the speed people are moving is ridiculous.

“I don’t understand why people need to speed to their deaths. All roads will eventually be made 20mph. I think there is a mindset that if the speed limit is 30mph then people will do 40mph.

“We need 20mph to be the default speed on every street where there is a street light.”

The council currently operates a 20mph zone along Marine Parade in Southend where there is a shared space area. The system is operated with average speed cameras.

Mark Jennings, chairman of he Southend Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, whose livelihood has already been hit by the lockdown, said: “We might as well just give up now. How can we make a living? Everyone will be going round in second gear emitting fumes. It’s health and safety madness. I’m sick of it.”