PUBLIC views over proposed design changes to a busy road junction must be submitted this weekend (Sunday December 6).

A three-week consultation period over potential alterations to the junction of the A690 Durham to Sunderland dual carriageway, at Stoneygate, near Houghton-le-Spring, ends on Sunday (December 6).

Sunderland City Council proposed banning right-hand turns from side roads across two carriageways to minimise the risk of further collisions, given a bad accident history at the junction over recent years.

An earlier consultation saw eight from ten respondents opposing a previous proposal for the complete closure of the central reserve, despite general support for improved road safety measures.

The junction provides access to Newbottle and Warden Law, with drivers turning right faced with traversing a dual carriageway.

Councillor Michael Mordey, city council cabinet member for city services, said there have been, "far too many serious accidents" at the junction and road safety was a concern for many people in the area.

More than 1,500 consultation forms were delivered to local residents and businesses on the latest stage of consultation earlier this month, with the deadline for responses being Sunday, December 6.