DESPERATE residents fear there will be road deaths unless something is done to stop Clacton’s one-way system being used as a ‘race track’ by reckless drivers.

Boy racers and impatient speeding drivers have been putting their foot down as they hit the one-way system in Wellesley Road.

Nearby residents say they see cars speed past, hear screeching tyres and revving engines constantly, and witness almost daily accidents.

They have called for a speed camera to be installed to put an end to the dangerous driving – before it proves fatal.

Campaigner Alfred Hancock said: “The problem has been getting worse.

“The noise some of them make is unbelievable, they absolutely roar past.

“We hear the screeching of tyres as they come round the corner every day and there are accidents and collisions nearly every day.

“There was one on Monday and one on Friday, and one of the neighbour’s cars was all but destroyed after another car went straight into it just a few weeks ago.

“People speed along here and sometimes use the one-way circuit as a race track, turning right into Olivers Road and Old Road.

“Sometimes it is youngsters who think they are racers, other times it is just impatient drivers putting their foot down when they shouldn’t.

“People have awful trouble just getting on and off of their driveways because of the speed some people go at, and any pedestrian trying to cross is taking their life into their own hands.

“It has become extremely dangerous and will almost certainly lead to a fatality if it is allowed to continue.”

Mr Hancock launched a petition and has been backed by other residents in the area.

It was sent in to Essex County Council, the police and Essex Highways, along with a DVD of footage showing people speeding.

He has also raised the issue with the local highways panel, which has agreed in principal that something has to be done.

It is likely that the panel will push for extra signs first, but Mr Hancock is adamant that the camera is the only way to stop it and says he will keep pushing.

He added: “We can’t keep going as it is now because it is already deadly.

“A one-way system is meant to improve traffic flow, but some people see it as an excuse to drive as though they are on a race track.

“A speed camera there is the only solution. It would be far more useful there than in the other locations where there are already cameras in Clacton.

“It is a long and frustrating process to try to get one of these, but it is in motion and I’m not going away until the road is safer.”