A Hartlepool speed limit that has caught out thousands of motorists is likely to remain at 30mph.

The southbound section of the A179 Easington Road, near the University Hospital of Hartlepool, is currently a 30mph zone.

Borough councillors had been asked to up the limit to 40mph after scores of people were caught one weekend in May.

But tomorrow, officers will recommend that the current limit be kept in place because of its good accident record and pedestrians would find it hard to cross if it was increased to 40mph.

Coun Rob Cook, Labour representative for the Hart ward, said: "There is no reason why that road should be 40 on one side and 30 on the other. There have been no serious accidents so I don't see why we need two speeds for one stretch of road."

Th om 40mph to 30mph at the top of Warren Road, 200 yards before the roundabout at the top of Holdforth Road.