THOUSANDS of drivers have been speeding through a sleepy village - with some travelling at more than 70mph, new data has revealed.

White Colne Parish Council wants to see a speed camera installed along the A1124, the main road linking Halstead with Colchester, after seeing the shocking number of drivers flouting the 30mph limit through the village.

Council data, recorded using a speed indicator device on the road, shows 73 per cent of drivers travelled at more than 40 miles an hour as they travelled through White Colne.

The speeds were recorded between November 8 and November 21 and monitored cars only heading in one direction.

Of the 21,517 cars recorded, 13,402 were doing more than 40mph.

A further 2,454 were doing more than 50mph and another 12 drivers were even recorded travelling at upwards of 70mph, more than double the speed limit.

Jim Bond, vice-chair of White Colne Parish Council, said the figures were sadly the rule rather than the exception.

He added the council is concerned speeds through the village have increased over time but also during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Bond said: “The A1124 is an important route between Colchester and Halstead, in particular for emergency services.

“As such we have been advised that traffic calming measures cannot be installed, but residents and the parish council are urging Essex Highways to come up with ways to help reduce the speeds.

“Highways have installed hidden speed monitoring devices, but we have yet to be advised of the outcome and if any plans are in place to address the issue.”

The council sends its speed checks to Essex Police on a regular basis and officers conduct their own operations in the area.

Councillors say they’ve contacted the other parishes along the A1124 to develop a case for the installation of speed cameras along the route.

The council is looking to re-establish a Community Speed Watch scheme in the area if enough volunteers are recruited.