ROAD users have welcomed plans to slash speed limits on a residential street notorious for being an accident blackspot.

Essex County Council is proposing cutting the speed limit from 60 to 40mph on a 430-metre stretch of Honey Lane in Waltham Abbey.

The limit would come into force from the roundabout junction with Old Shire Lane up to Shernbroke Road.

Jane Allen, of Margherita Road, suffered severe leg and arm injuries and was left in a coma for four days after the motorbike she was riding was hit by a Jeep at the junction with Shernbroke Road in 2008.

She said she hoped the restrictions would remind motorists exiting the M25 to cut their speed.

"I do think it's quite a drastic jump from 30 to 60 on that last stretch of the road," said the 28-year-old.

"It gives people the opportunity to come down from the motorway at 60mph, which isn't great."

Joanne Packwood, who lives in Honey Lane, began campaigning for traffic calming measures in summer 2009 following a spate of crashes outside her home.

The most serious saw a 17-year-old girl suffer serious injuries after her car hit a telegraph pole, throwing her clear of the vehicle.

"I have been saying for ages to get a change or a crossing, but the council keep saying they've got no money - I was fighting a losing battle," said the 41-year-old.

"People, especially young kids, they just come flying down the hill. That's what happened in 2009. They don't realise how fast it is and they try to put on the brakes."

The mum-of-two welcomed the speed cut, but added: "A zebra crossing would have been great."

Honey Lane has been the scene of six accidents since December 2009, one of which was serious.

A second speed limit cut has also been proposed for a 415-metre stretch of the B181 Epping Road, north of Epping Green.

  • Anyone who wishes to object to the orders can write to TRO Comments, South Area, Highways Office, 1 Endeavour Drive, Festival Business Park, Basildon, SS14 3WF or email TRO-commentssoutharea@essex.gov.uk by December 7.