SPEED bumps could be introduced in a bid to tackle reckless driving and anti social behaviour in Halstead.

Residents living in Butler Road and Beridge Road have called for traffic calming measures to be installed on both streets due to increasing issues with speeding.

It is hoped installing some form of traffic scheme may also help to reduce anti social behaviour taking place in Butler Road car park.

Many residents have admitted to feeling intimated by dangerous drivers who use the car park as a meeting point in both the daytime and late at night.

A report prepared by Halstead Town Council is asking councillors to discuss concerns about speeding concerns and look into residents' request to install speed bumps in the road.

The report reads: "There have been a number of emails and letters over the past month related to speeding in the town. Most of them relate to the unsociable behaviour around Butler Road car park and the surrounding area.

"In addition to making unacceptable noise in the car park and dropping their rubbish, young drivers are using the area as a playground for dangerous driving and speeding and stunts.

"This has been reported to the police on a weekly basis recently, and we have been told by the police that they are beginning to take action on the behaviour in Butler Road.

"Residents in neighbouring Beridge Road are requesting the installation of speed bumps in the road, and preferably also in Butler Road to protect children (at Holy Trinity School), and the elderly."

Town councillors will be discussing the report during Monday's meeting at Queens Hall.

It has been recommended the council begins discussions with the Braintree Local Highways Panel about the idea. If the panel is supportive of the request, it would then work with Essex Highways to decide whether speeding restrictions are needed and what measures could be implemented on both roads.

A spokesman for Essex Highways has confirmed a request for a traffic calming scheme to be installed on Beridge Road has already been received.

He added: "An initial speed survey will be undertaken on this road and the result of this will determine whether traffic calming measures will be suitable.

“Currently, there are no requests for Butler Road, but any resident or councillor who is worried about highways safety in their area should raise their concerns with their county councillor."