MP calls for A120 speed limit to be cut to 50mph in Harwich

Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin has pressed Highways England bosses and Essex’s police, fire and crime commissioner to take action after a string of severe crashes on the A120 between the town and Horsley Cross.

Sir Bernard said the causes of accidents on the "dangerous" stretch of the major road must be addressed.

'Confident'

He told the Standard: “I’ve formally approached Highways England and the Essex police, fire and crime commissioner about this problem and I’ve tabled a written question to the secretary of state to get the accident statistics onto the public record.

“In my experience, the best way to reduce the frequency and seriousness of accidents is to apply a speed limit and there is no speed limit apart from the national restriction between Horsley Cross and Harwich. That is something that should be considered.”

Meeting - Sir Bernard Jenkin with parish and district councillors and Highways England bosses last Friday (Image: Office of Sir Bernard Jenkin)

He added: “I am confident that if we all keep pressing for 50mph, we will get the speed limit that will reduce both the severity and the number of accidents.”

Sir Bernard thanked district councillors Carlo Guglielmi and Danny Land for their efforts in trying to make the A120 safer for motorists.

'Dangerous black spot'

The Conservative MP wrote to Highways England in November last year and met with its regional director Martin Fellows last week.

The meeting comes after Ivan Henderson, Labour councillor for Harwich, renewed his campaign for the 50mph zone on the A120 to be extended following two smashes earlier this month, including a crash on the Wix bypass which left two people trapped in their vehicle.

Campaigning - Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson

Mr Henderson said the road between Horsley Cross and Ramsey is a “dangerous black spot”.

Last Friday, Sir Bernard chaired a meeting with parish and district councillors and Highways England officials to discuss how disruption caused by roadworks on the A120 and A12 can be better co-ordinated.

“It was a very robust conversation between highways and many parish councillors with a good exchange of views and information,” he said.

“There will be regular meetings from now on to keep updated on future developments”.