RESIDENTS calling for traffic calming measures on a steep country road have warned it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.

Cars are regularly driven too fast on Elm Park Road, near Consett, and people who live there describe taking their lives in their hands as they leave their homes.

The road has a speed limit of 60mph, but residents argue it should be lowered to 30mph with traffic calming measures put in place to stop people speeding.

George Ewen, 65, of Elm Park Farm, said: “It is the speed that everyone comes up this road and it is not fit for purpose. People are concerned someone is going to be hit. It is only a matter of time.”

The road is used by people to access the newly built estates near the bottom, but residents say it has become a “rat run”.

Another resident, Kevin Urquhart, 42, said: “This road is getting very, very busy because of the increased building work. We have had several near misses ourselves when pulling off the driveway.”

Julie Dixon, whose daughter, Megan, nine, rides her pony, Cookie, in the area, said several horseriders, including children, have had countless near misses on this road.

She said: “We have to ride on this road to gain access to safe off-road riding but unfortunately it’s becoming very dangerous.

“Signs and a speeding restriction needs to be in place before a very serious accident or fatality happens.”

The residents have formed a group to campaign for improved safety and met with Durham County Councillor Alex Watson.

He said: “To have a speed limit on this road of 60 mph, is without question lunacy.

“I would defy anyone travelling at 60 mph to be able to stop at a safe braking distance. Something has to be done before we get a fatality.”

Inspector Keith Wardle, of Consett Police, said the site was not suitable for the deployment of equipment used by the Community Speedwatch team but a full seven day 24hr speed survey has been requested.

He said: “I share the resident’s concerns. Once the results of the survey is back we can look at possible interventions.”

Durham County Council said there had been no reported accidents on Elm Park Road in the last four years.

Brian Buckley, strategic highways manager, said: “We appreciate that residents often have a desire for a lower speed limit in the vicinity of their own homes, but we have to strike a balance.

“There are very few property fronts facing the road, and there is already signage warning of pedestrians, horse riders and bends in the road. We consider the current speed limit to be both appropriate and credible. We have contacted Durham Constabulary and have agreed to obtain a seven day traffic speed and volume survey on the road to see if any intervention is required.”

Gavin Havery | Social Media Editor (Durham)

________________________________________

Newsquest (Yorkshire & North East) Ltd

Unit 10, Ribble House, Mandale Park, Belmont Industrial Estate, Belmont, County Durham, DH1 1TH

t: 0191 3844600

e: Gavin.Havery@nne.co.uk