We, the residents of New Road and Remembrance Avenue in Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, are facing an alarming crisis. Motorists have turned our streets into a dangerous raceway, with many vehicles ignoring the imposed 30 mph speed limit. In reality, navigating through parked cars at more than 10 mph is risky, yet we’ve witnessed reckless drivers zooming past at outrageous speeds of up to 70 mph.

The impact of this disregard for traffic laws is not just theoretical; it is starkly evident in the number of animals hit by speeding cars and the numerous near-miss incidents that residents experience daily. This poses an imminent danger to not only our beloved pets but also to pedestrians and families who use these roads regularly. It is only a matter of time before these reckless speeds result in a fatality.

To ensure the safety of our community, we urgently call for the implementation of effective speed restrictions. These may include the installation of speed bumps, better signage, and digital speed warning signs, all proven measures that slow traffic and minimize risk. These changes are critical not just for the safety of residents but also for the quality of life in our town.

Statistics from the Department for Transport illustrate that speed limits that align with the road environment and characteristics significantly reduce the likelihood of fatalities. Implementing measures that force compliance with the speed limit could be the difference between life and death in our community.

We urge the local government and relevant authorities to prioritize this intervention as a matter of public safety. By installing these protections, we can turn our streets back into safe places for our children to play and for neighbors to walk, free from the fear of speeding cars.

Please join us in demanding a safer neighborhood. Sign this petition to advocate for essential speed restrictions on New Road and Remembrance Avenue before we face a tragedy. Every signature brings us closer to a safer community for all.