CAMPAIGNERS who claim to live on rat-run roads have finally received the results of a traffic survey conducted by the council, after five months of pressure.

According to the campaigners, the results of the survey show that during one 24-hour period 1,731 cars used Wellington and Nelson Roads, in Wanstead and one car was recorded speeding at 70mph.

A further six cars travelled at over 50mph and 240 cars were recorded as travelling in excess of 30mph.

Residents claim the council initially declined to respond to the Freedom of Information Act, but after an appeal they successfully gained the results, but only of one day and not of the whole week-long survey.

Ellen Pugh, 34, of Wellington Road, said: " The fact the council wouldn't let us have the information is quite something.

"To see that cars regularly travel at 50, 60 or even 70mph was quite an eye opener.

"If the councillors or the council as a whole doesn't take action knowing that cars are travelling at excessive speeds on our roads they had better have a good reason as to why.

"As elderly residents have pointed out, they don't feel safe on the roads. It is an accident waiting to happen."

Residents now want to see a 20mph speed limit, speed bumps, a one way system and no left turn from Hermon Hill into Nelson Road during peak periods introduced by the council.

Betty Wheel, 78, of Wellington Road added: "Sorting our road out is not really a priority as far as the council is concerned.

"They need to realise we are serious about it. The results of the survey really don't surprise me."

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said: "The survey in question was carried out following a request from councillors who wished to see a report presented to Area Committee One on the findings.

"The Freedom Of Information request was initially refused and the member of the public was advised that this was because the survey results were to be published at a later date. The report on this survey is currently scheduled to be presented at Area Committee One on November 26 when members of the committee will have the opportunity to decide what course of action should be taken based on the results.

"Future publication is a valid reason to refuse an FOI under section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act.

"The council, although not obliged to release the information, reconsidered the decision to refuse the FOI following an appeal, and sent the information requested to the applicant. No information was held back."