PLANS to introduce a 20mph limit on more than a dozen roads in a village have been approved.

In total 16 roads across Rowhedge will get the new lower limit at a cost of £62,000.

The roads are all currently 30mph.

The scheme was put forward by Essex County Councillor Kevin Bentley in 2019 and has now been approved.

The roads where the new limit will be introduced are:

  • Albion Street,
  • Ashurst Close,
  • Chapel Street,
  • Church Hill,
  • Church Street,
  • Colne Rise,
  • Donyland Way,
  • Heath Road,
  • High Street,
  • Hillview Close,
  • Paget Road,
  • Parkfield Street,
  • Regent Street,
  • Stephen Cranfield Close,
  • Sunbeam Close,
  • Taylors Road

There were four objections and seven comments in support of the plans from members of the public.

Some residents called for Rectory Road, Head Street and Marsh Crescent to all be included, but this was rejected.

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A report which went before council leader David Finch said: "The negatives of this option are that the drivers may not understand why a 20mph speed limit has been chosen on the main road through the village, this may increase the likelihood of drivers overtaking slow moving vehicles.

"This option is not favoured by the bus companies who have stated that it will affect their journey times although have not formally objected to the scheme."

Mr Finch has now rubber stamped the plans.

It is estimated the cost of the new 20mph speed zone will be £62,500 and will be funded by the Colchester Local Highway Panel 2020/2021 budget.