AN ACCIDENT hotspot stretch of the A120 could have a 50mph limit by next month.

Highways England has unveiled plans to lower the 60mph an hour limit between the Marks Farm roundabout in Braintree and Bridge Hall Road in Bradwell due to safety concerns.

Ashley Winsbury-Cutts, landlord of the Dolphin at Bradwell, said: “I think it is great news. We have been trying to do something about it for 10 years.

“In the time we have been here there have been five major accidents and that is without all the accidents at Kings Lane and a bit further down.

“I don’t think it will impact the business but it does put people off having to pull out on to the road, and if the speed gets reduced then people might come see us again.”

Tony Davis, owner of the Doggy Lodge on the road, said: “It is probably a good idea. There isn’t a huge difference in the speed limits but anything that might take the edge off the traffic is a good thing.

“It can be difficult to pull in or out of our business or the garden centre. Some people go up to the roundabout and go all the way around to make it easier.”

Stisted Parish Council also backed the move, which follows the construction of Twin Oaks Caravan Park – now a legal travellers’ site.

It was proposed that within 18 months of the approval of the application, the speed limit would be reduced.

A Highways England spokesman said: “We have worked closely with Braintree Council to agree measures to support the development of the Twin Oaks Caravan Park along the A120 near Stisted.

“These measures include the provision of a new widened access for people to safely turn into or exit the site, as well as a lowered speed limit from 60mph to 50mph for safety reasons.”

The proposals are at Braintree Council’s offices in Causeway House, Bocking End and in Coggeshall Library on Stoneham Street. To object, write to Highways England by October 26.