AVERAGE speed cameras are being installed on the A414 as part of a programme of works to make the road safer to use.

Essex County Council is installing the cameras along the A414 between Chelmsford and Harlow. Essex Police and the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) are supporting the work.

Installation started earlier this month and is expected to finish by mid-March.

The speed limit for the A414 will temporarily reduce to 40mph for the next five to six weeks. This is to protect workers while installations take place.

The average speed cameras will support the permanent speed limit changes made last year. This was from Widford roundabout to the B181, Tylers Green.

These reductions in speed limit included:

• reducing 50mph zones to 40mph
• reducing national speed zones to 50mph or 40mph depending on location

Evidence shows that average speed cameras lead to more stable traffic flow. It also leads to fewer serious incidents and greater compliance with speed limits.

Councillor Mark Platt, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, said: “We are taking vital steps to reduce the number of fatal and serious collisions on this road by introducing improved speed enforcement with these new cameras.

“As partners in the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, we are committed to working together to make the A414 safe for everyone as we work towards our ambitions to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries.”

Will Cubbin, Partnership Manager at the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, said: “Speed is one of the most significant contributing factors in serious and fatal collisions. Even small reductions in speed can reduce crashes and prevent death and serious injury.

“Lower vehicle speeds on the A414 will create a safer environment not only for drivers, but also for pedestrians and cyclists.

“As a partnership, we are fully committed to supporting these measures as part of our ambition towards Vision Zero, a future where no one dies or is seriously injured on Essex roads.”