A MOVE to cut the speed limit on Southend’s roads to 20mph would be a “colossal waste of money”, according to an MP.

James Duddridge, Tory MP for Rochford and Southend East, described the idea as “ludicrous”.

Ron Woodley, council deputy leader, last week said the council was considering reducing all 30mph roads to a 20mph speed limit.

He previously told the Echo there was a “frightening” amount of speeding in the borough.

Mr Duddridge said he backs traffic calming measures where appropriate, such as outside schools, but argued there is “insufficient evidence” to suggest 20mph restrictions in residential areas reduce accident rates or average speeds.

He also raised concerns that many motorists would simply not comply with a lower speed limit.

Mr Duddridge said: “Of course we want our roads to be safer, particularly around schools, but the idea of a one-size-fits-all 20mph speed limit in every road across the whole of Southend is ludicrous.

"With little evidence to show that 20mph limits have any impact on speeding or reducing accident rates, proceeding with this idea would be a colossal waste of money at the expense of Southend residents – who will be left to foot the bill.

“Speeding is an offence, and those caught speeding will be dealt with appropriately, but this proposal is ill-thought-out and should be dismissed immediately.”

Several roads, including Marine Parade, already have a 20mph limit.

Tony Cox, leader of the Tory opposition at Southend Council, said: “Southend Conservatives support making our roads safer and our town greener, but this is not the way to do it and we will join James Duddridge in fighting against this 20mph proposal every step of the way.”

Mr Woodley said changing the speed limits would be a Government decision but the council would press for it.

He said: “I think James Duddridge needs to wake up to the fact that we have to reclaim our roads back for young people and for cyclists, as well as walking.

“It’s a Government decision that we can press for, a lot of cities are doing this, and if he wants to put children and cyclists at risk he may want to do that, I certainly don’t.”