A NEW higher speed limit on a stretch of road in Hartlepool comes into force next week.

The existing 30mph limit on Easington Road, adjacent to the town's hospital, will be replaced by one of 40mph from Thursday.

Hartlepool Borough Council backed the new limit in September following complaints from drivers, but a formal legal process had to be completed before it could be introduced.

The new 40mph restriction will operate for a trial 15-month period, during which time members of the public and any other interested parties will be able to make comments - both for and against.

All comments will be collated at the end of the trial period and reported back to the council.

Anyone wishing to make comments should write to the Chief Solicitor, Hartlepool Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool TS24 8AY.