We, the residents of Saxham Street, Stowupland, are writing to express our serious concern about the safety of Saxham Street, which is currently designated as a 30mph residential zone.

Despite this speed limit, many drivers regularly exceed it—often by a significant margin—making the road increasingly dangerous for residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and especially children and elderly members of our community. Saxham Street is a residential road, yet it is frequently treated like a high-speed through-route rather than a place where families live.

Within recent months, there has already been a serious accident in which a driver travelling at excessive speed failed to stop at the junction with the A1120 and ended up in the ditch opposite. This incident clearly demonstrates the very real dangers posed by speeding on Saxham Street and reinforces our concern that it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

While we acknowledge and appreciate that the police have already increased their presence in the area, this has unfortunately had little to no lasting impact on driver behaviour. Once enforcement is no longer visible, speeding continues as before. This demonstrates that enforcement alone is not sufficient and that permanent physical measures are required to slow traffic effectively.

A key issue is the transition into Saxham Street from the higher-speed 40mph road. Introducing a chicane or similar traffic-calming feature at the entrance to the 30mph zone, near the 40mph sign, would clearly signal to drivers that they are entering a 30mph residential area. This would help differentiate the change in road character, naturally reduce vehicle speeds, and set the tone for the rest of the street.

We also request the installation of a vehicle-activated Speed Indicator Device (SID) along Saxham Street to reinforce the 30mph speed limit. SID devices provide real-time feedback to drivers and have proven effective in reducing vehicle speeds, particularly in residential areas. Unlike police enforcement, a SID operates continuously and would serve as a constant reminder to drivers that they are travelling through a residential street where lower speeds are essential for safety.

We therefore respectfully petition the council to take urgent action to improve safety on Saxham Street by considering the following measures:

• Conducting a speed survey to accurately assess vehicle speeds.
• Improving the visibility and effectiveness of 30mph signage.
• Installing a chicane or gateway-style traffic-calming measure at the entrance to the 30mph zone on Saxham Street to clearly mark the transition from higher-speed roads to a residential street.
• Introducing additional traffic-calming measures where appropriate.
• Continuing enforcement alongside physical measures, as enforcement alone has proven ineffective.
• Consulting with residents to develop long-term solutions that prioritise safety.

The safety of our community should be a priority. We urge the council to act promptly to prevent further accidents and to make Saxham Street a safer place for everyone who lives on and uses it.

Respectively the undersigned