A ROAD safety review is going to be carried out in a residential community on the outskirts of Durham after more than 300 people signed a petition calling for the speed to be reduced on a major commuter route.

The petition, which was calling to reduce the speed limit on the A167 and A690 in Neville’s Cross, had initially been rejected by Durham County Council.

But following an appeal by resident Peter Broughton, who started the petition, there will now be a review of the situation.

The petition said: “The A167 and A690 run through residential areas and pass next to, or near three schools. A 40mph limit is therefore totally unsuitable and a real danger to road users and pedestrians alike.

“This request is in keeping with the introduction of reduced speed limits around other schools in County Durham (20mph in some cases) and supports other incentives to encourage school children to walk to school to help reduce obesity.

“There have been many accidents along these roads (and fatalities) and a reduction in speed can only lead to a reduction in accidents along with the potential to save.”

The initial response from the council said there was provision to cross the A167 between Sniperley and Merryoaks, including pedestrian islands, traffic lights, a toucan crossing and two footbridges.

The response adds that none of the accidents recorded on the section of road, mostly rear end shunts and junction related crashes around traffic lights at the Duke of Wellington, Neville’s Cross and Crossgate Moor, had involved excess speed.

However, following an appeal to the council’s corporate overview and scrutiny management board earlier this month, the council has agreed to look at the issue.

Mr Broughton, a father-of-two, whose 13-year-old daughter attends Durham Johnston School, said: “As a parent I worry every day about her safety. Not only during school days but during the holidays and at weekends, when I’ve witnessed many a near-miss on the local roads and seen many cars travelling at excessive speed.

“My daughter regularly walks home from school and I would really appreciate the peace of mind of a 30mph limit.”

Jenny Haworth, Durham County Council’s head of strategy, said: “Members of our corporate overview and scrutiny management board have asked officers in our highways department to review road safety on the A167 and A690 through Durham and provide further information to the person presenting the petition.”