Speed scheme to cut road crashes

A speed camera which will be part of the new £1.2m scheme

Speed averaging cameras are to be introduced on a deadly stretch of Essex road in an attempt to slow drivers and save lives.

There have been four fatal, 27 serious, and 152 minor crashes on the 6.2 mile (10km) stretch of A127 between Nevendon and Southend, in the past three years.

Essex County Council said 250 people had been injured on the road. The cameras will be installed by 2009.

The cameras have cut accidents in other blackspots by up to 50%.

Councillor Norman Hume, cabinet member of highways and transportation, said: "I am pleased we are going to be able to deliver this technology which is proven to reduce accidents on one of our busiest roads.

"With this scheme we will see fewer lives affected by the personal tragedy which accompanies serious accidents on Essex's roads."

Ch Supt Mick Thwaites of Essex Police said: "This route management strategy is an innovative project which we fully support and we anticipate that it will dramatically reduce the level of casualties on this road."

Work began in September with most carried out during off peak hours.

The speed limit will be reduced to 80km/h (50mph) along part of the road when the speed averaging cameras are up and running.