‘£5.1million average speed cameras will save lives on A120’ – highways boss

The statement comes after the Gazette revealed 27 people had died between the Marks Tey and Dunmow junctions on the road in the 26 years from 2000 to 2025.[1] A relative of one victim said parts of the road have become "like a memorial ground" because of how frequent the fatal collisions had become. However, new 50mph speed limits have been introduced between Marks Farm roundabout and Marks Tey, as well as Harwich to Horsley Cross.

The 11 cameras have come at a cost of GBP5.1million. Despite there being an average of one death every year on the 22-mile stretch of the A120 from Marks Tey to Dunmow, the head of scheme delivery in the eastern region for National Highways, Simon Amor, said England's highways are among the safest in the world. He said: "Safety is and will always be our number one priority and we're delivering targeted speed management schemes on sections of the A120, as we seek to reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads.

"We're always exploring ways to make our roads safer. We prioritise improvements using the latest collision data, combined with risk assessments, which in turn helps inform our decisions at a local level. "England's motorways and major A-roads are some of the safest in the world, but our ambition remains that no-one should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads."

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said although Essex County Council is responsible for some parts of the road, most of it falls under National Highways. They said: "The majority of the A120 is run by National Highways, with one short section at the western end near Bishop's Stortford and another at the eastern end near Harwich coming under Essex Highways. "We closely monitor local data and police engagement, as well as resident feedback, to find clear patterns which could be helped by road safety improvements.

"With enough evidence, we are able to put forward engineering works for funding through casualty reduction schemes."

References

^ 26 years from 2000 to 2025. (www.gazette-news.co.uk)