Petition calls for more road safety help following teenager’s death
A Petition is calling for more road safety help following teenager's death
Last updated 18th Oct 2024
A petition of 1615 names have been submitted to Essex County Council asked for more safety measures following the death of a 13-year-old boy in Colchester.
Taylen Ireton died after being hit by a car on Mersea Road On Saturday September 21.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after the collision occurred at around 9:20pm close to the Cherry Tree pub. Taylen was taken to hospital but sadly died from his injuries.
An online petition has said that if Mersea Road in Colchester “is left without some basic safety precautions it continues to be a danger to our community. “
County councillor for Maypole, Dave Harris, has been campaigning for road safety in Essex for ten yers.
He also brought the issue to Essex County Council full council:
He tells us "I'm very proud of the people who started the petition because they're the ones who took this off the ground and spread it to their friends, family and the community.
"So far 1615 people have signed it.
"We've lost a young child which is very tearful and upsetting for the whole community.
"They organisers have polarised that and managed to get something done which I hope the County Council will listen to the public and take on."
The petition is calling for: a pedestrian crossing; active Community Speedwatch; a 30 mile an hour sign prolonged on Mersea Road before it changes to 40; and speed checks. Checks are like a halfway island there."
"Every school needs a safe place to cross the road and safety to live and breathe and experience a good school experience."
Cabinet member for highways Councillor Tom Cunningham said: “Can I give him the assurance of our complete attention in terms of looking what we can do to help solve the problems in that area.”
The petition said Mersea road coming into Blackheath past the Berechurch Hall Road roundabout heading towards West Mersea “is particularly dangerous”.
It said:“There are no traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, speed bumps or any other measures to reduce speed or protect pedestrians.”
It added: “Many cats and Dogs have been hit along this road and most recently the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy has devastated and heartbroken the community.
“If this road is left without some basic safety precautions it continues to be a danger to our community.