BURNHAM’S bid to become Essex’s first 20mph town has been scraped after highways bosses deemed it would be “against policy”.

Back in September concerned residents had called on the town council to look into installing a 20mph sign at the entrance to the town to combat drivers flouting the 30mph limit.

But worried councillors decided to try and seek to have the speed limit lowered throughout the town centre.

Councillors believed families would feel safer in the town with a 20mph limit but were concerned about how it would be policed.

They made a request to the Maldon local highways panel calling for the speed on the B1021, Station Road and High Street, to be reduced.

But after reviewing the plans the panel has rejected the bid.

A speed survey carried out on the road found people to be travelling at around 24mph – six miles and hours below the 30mph limit.

The report said: “Existing speeds show good compliance with speed limit. B1021 is a priority route and a 20mph limit would be against policy.”

Burnham Town Councillor Tania Ward backed the calls for a 20mph limit in the town centre.

She said: “I'm very disappointed that this request has been rejected.

“There may be a good overall compliance with the 30mph speed limit, but there is still an unacceptable level on non-compliance which I feel puts pedestrians and other road users at an avoidable risk.

“Vehicles are often witnessed travelling noticeably in excess of the speed limit, sometimes even overtaking other vehicles that are moving at 30mph.

“As a rural setting with many narrow roads, and a lack of off-road parking, I truly feel that a 20mph limit would be more suitable for Burnham.”

The bid will now be removed from the potential schemes list for the local highways panel.