A CALL has been made to introduce traffic measures to tackle “reckless drivers and boy racers” using a stretch of road as “a racetrack” during the day.

Residents in King Edward Quay, Colchester, have banded together to put out a petition calling for a lower speed limit and traffic calming measures along their busy road.

The group say the road, accessible via Distillery Lane to the west and Haven Road to the east, is frequently abused by speeding drivers.

It said: “This reckless and illegal behaviour appears to be attractive as a result of the long, straight stretch of road with no visible indication of speed limit or standard street lights to define it as a public highway.

“During the day, many motorists detour from the Haven Road if it is busy, or flooded, and then dangerously speed along the narrow quay in an attempt to beat the traffic.

“Later at night, often past well midnight, boy racers use King Edward Quay as a meeting point and then as part of a racing circuit loop with the adjacent Haven Road.”

The group said drivers often perform reckless manoeuvres, including “wheel spins and doughnuts”.

It added: “Not only does the speeding present a serious risk of physical harm, it also creates significant noise distress affecting everyone else.”

The group is calling on Essex County Council’s Highways department to introduce one of a number of measures, including implementing a “no motor vehicles except for access” zone.

Other suggested measures include implementing a 20mph maximum speed limit, or even road bumps.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “The best way to take this forward is to speak to your local Essex county councillor who can raise the issue at the next Local Highways Panel.

“Any traffic management issues raised at the Local Highways Panel can then be investigated.

“We would also advise any anti-social or dangerous behaviour occurring on the road should be reported to Essex Police.”

Anyone seeing anti-social behaviour can report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.