Another new shelter...now let's slow down (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Another new shelter...now let's slow down

8:00am Friday 15th February 2013 in News

DEMANDS have been made to introduce a 20mph speed limit on roads near where a bus shelter has twice been destroyed.

A new structure in Cherry Avenue, in Brentwood, has been put up to replace the former wooden shelter which was smashed on two separate occasions last year.

After the opening of the latest replacement shelter, ward councillors for Brentwood South Mike Le-Surf and Julie Morrissey are calling for Essex County Council to install safety measures to prevent future accidents.

The Labour representatives believe the introduction of a 20mph limit around the East Ham and Three Arches estates, along with additional traffic calming measures, will benefit the area.

Mrs Morrissey said: “These crashes were terrible incidents in my ward last year.

“I’m glad the shelter has finally been replaced, but until action is taken by Essex County Council regarding the speed, it has not addressed the problem.

“Many youths sit in the shelters in the evenings and someone could have been killed.

“Essex County Council must act now. We will continue to fight for traffic calming measures in this area and a 20mph limit.”

A spokesman for the county council said residents can approach their Local Highways Panel to see if any potential speed reduction measures can be highlighted for consideration.

Replacing the shelter was delayed after the insurance firm of the driver who ploughed into it took time to process the payment for the new one due to “administrative problems”.

The driver of the car which crashed into the shelter on June 13 last year was reported by Essex Police as drunk.

Bus users have had to wait in a sectioned off part of the pavement.

Another shelter was put up, only to be smashed again in October, requiring another replacement.