A PARENT who has started a petition for improved road safety has said drivers travel at speeds of 50mph because of a lack of signs and deterrents for drivers.

Lauren Simonds, 26, started the appeal on change.org after a tragic collision on Saturday took the life of 13-year-old Taylen Ireton.

But Mrs Simonds, of Holt Drive, told the Gazette the road has been a serious hotspot for several years.

Councillor David Harris has also campaigned for lower speed limits and more pedestrian crossings in the area.

Mrs Simonds said: “The trouble with Mersea Road is that it’s an exceptionally long road.

“Towards town, it’s broken up by traffic lights and roundabouts – at Berechurch Hall Road, that’s where those end.

“At the Baptist church near Gosfield Road, I have seen drivers going at 40mph and 50mph – it’s been a concern of parents for years, because crossing that road is a nightmare.

“I have been thinking about putting together a draft template of the road in a PDF so people can highlight how to improve the road, then we can send them into Essex Highways.”

She added the road would be made safer if there were speed bumps or pedestrian crossings.

“It’s got no obstacles – from the Baptist church to West Mersea, there’s hardly a break in the road.”