A ROAD where neighbours have recorded accidents as often as every week is to have its speed limit reduced.

People living in Coopersale Street, Fiddlers Hamlet, near Epping, say cars regularly smash into their gardens and spin into ditches and they have been campaigning for calming measures for more than two years.

Essex County Council, which is in charge of speed limits, has now said it will start the process of reducing the limit by the start of July.

Simon Levy, 53, who lives near a dangerous bend in the road, said: “It’s brilliant news. It must help – it’s a starting point.

“I would have preferred 30mph, but I won’t argue with 40mph.

“At last, they recognise it’s a problem.”

Jane Bird, 73, whose garden fence has been destroyed several times by accidents, said: “It’s better than nothing, but I would have thought 30mph would have been better, because the road’s built up all down one side.

“It does send a message.”

The county council told Mr Levy last year that a “pattern of accidents” would have to emerge before any safety measures were installed on the road.

But a spokeswoman said today (Thursday): “As part of the review of speed limits in Essex, roads in Fiddlers Hamlet were assessed.

“As a result the speed on a section of Stonards Hill and Coopersale Street is to be reduced from the current derestricted 60mph limit to 40mph.

“The scheme will be advertised in the local press in June or the beginning of July.”

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