Slow down!

As we have been campaigning to get Mark Hurley elected in the by-election for Copdock and Washbrook Ward following the sad death of Dave Busby we have heard a lot of complaints about speeding . This despite efforts from local Parish Councils to address the issue.

In response Mark has written to the Suffolk Police Commissioner asking for stronger action to be taken

You can read his letter below:

To: Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk

Cc: Paul West (Chair of the Suffolk Roadsafe Partnership) and Rachel Kearton (Chief Constable of Suffolk Constabulary)

Dear Tim,

I’m writing as Parish Councillor for East Bergholt and the Liberal Democrat Candidate for Copdock and Washbrook ward on Babergh District Council, to raise my and many residents’ concerns about persistent and dangerous speeding in our area, in particular speeding on the main streets of Washbrook, Bentley, Hintlesham and Burstall.

Though Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS), which display the speed of a passing car, have been deployed in some areas, and some Community Speed Watch groups have been set up, reports of speeding from local residents persist despite these initiatives parish councillors deserve a lot of credit.

This speeding is dangerous to local people, especially children and also to cyclists, pedestrians and responsible local drivers. The noise can also be disruptive to local residents, especially at night.

It is clear that a stronger deterrent to speeding is needed. Therefore, I am asking you to ensure the installation of speed cameras on the main streets of Washbrook, Bentley, Hintlesham and Burstall. I and all of my Lib Dem colleagues are ready and willing to help to do whatever is needed to expedite the process of their installation, and to work with parish councils and community groups to provide evidence to support the case for speed cameras.

For all these reasons, I very much hope to work with you to take real action to reduce speeding at the earliest possible opportunity

Yours sincerely,

Mark Hurley