From meetings with MPs to the use of speed guns, villagers say they are trying to combat speeding on their local roads before someone gets badly injured or killed.

Louise Pallister, 35, of The Street, Latchingdon, has a 30mph sign directly outside her front door.

She said: “There is no way on God’s earth that half the cars coming through the village are driving at 30mph."

Tollesbury villagers are also calling for action after an accident involving a young child in April.

They want a crossing outside the school, manned by voluntary lollipop men or women.

Althorne Parish Council wants to extend the 30mph speed limit in Althorne, where the limits go from 50mph to 40mph, then 30mph before going back up.

Essex County Council has so far refused but Paul Burgess said members will continue to press for change.

Full Spotlight in the Standard.