ROAD safety campaigners are celebrating after County Hall bosses confirmed the speed limit outside a primary school could be reduced.

More than 800 people signed a petition calling for the speed limit in Clacton Road, Weeley, outside St Andrew’s Primary School, to be cut from 40mph to 30mph.

It came following the death of pedestrian Ruth Smith, 82, who died following a crash involving a Vauxhall Vectra, in Clacton Road, in 2012.

Weeley parish councillor and former county councillor Mick Skeels presented the petition to Essex County Council more than a year ago.

He said: “It’s great news for the village. Four people have been killed on that road over the years and something needed to be done.

“The lollipop lady at the school sees people flying over Weeley bridge and they give her abuse.

“Hopefully, the lower speed limit will make people slow down. It is a dangerous road and children cross it to get to the school.

“The whole village got behind the campaign – the school, councillors and residents. I’m over the moon it has finally been officially announced.

Mr Skeels thanked those who helped to organise the campaign and collect signatures, including Louise Goodwin, former chairman of St Andrew’s Primary School’s parent and teacher association.

A council spokesman said: “Essex County Council, as the highways authority, will be consulting on the implementation of a possible 30mph speed limit for this area. This speed restriction will be subject to the standard order making process and consultation with the statutory consultees of Essex Police, ambulance service, fire and rescue and residents.

“The implementation of this speed restriction is dependent on the outcome of the consultation.”