A127 speed limit change aims to reduce harmful emissions

A new 50mph limit has been introduced on a stretch of the A127 near Basildon – with the aim of improving air quality and road safety.

Roadside tests have shown the section of the A127 between east and west Basildon – which had operated at the national speed limit – exceeds safe limits for nitrogen dioxide.

The new limit came into force on 27 January, with works to replace road signs and install average speed cameras expected to take approximately six weeks to complete.

Temporary lane restrictions will be in place between 9pm and 5am to enable crews to work safely at the roadside, with traffic reduced to one lane overnight.

Some individual road closures will also be required in order to calibrate average speed cameras, and signed diversion routes will be provided.

Essex County Council says lowering speeds from 70mph to 50mph can reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from car exhausts by up to 20%.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “Reducing potentially harmful vehicle emissions is vitally important, not only in protecting the environment, but also for the health of our residents.

“By lowering the speed limit, we can reduce vehicle emissions on this stretch of the A127 and bring air quality to safe levels by 2021, as well as improving road safety and journey time reliability.

“We all have a part to play in protecting the planet and, where possible, I would also encourage people to consider swapping some car journeys for more sustainable travel such as walking, cycling or using public transport.”

13 February 2020