RIGHT hand turns could be banned at a busy road junction which has become an accident black spot in recent years.

Road-users, local residents and businesses are to be asked for their views on the proposed alterations to the Stoneygate junction, on the A690 Durham to Sunderland dual carriageway, between Houghton-le-Spring and East Herrington.

Sunderland City Council is looking to address the problem junction, the scene of 11 injury accidents between November 2011 and last October.

The staggered cross-road junction connects the A690 with High Lane, leading to nearby Newbottle, in one direction, and Stoneygate Lane, leading to Ryhope, Burdon Village,Warden Law and the Down on the Farm attraction on the opposite side.

Following the accident history, the council is now to consider preventing all right turning traffic movements at the junction.

Councillor Michael Mordey, the council’s portfolio holder for city services, said: “Unfortunately this junction has been the site of too many serious collisions in recent years and continues to be a point of road safety concern for the council and the public.

“Because of these concerns, we’ve been looking at how to make the junction safer and reduce the number of collisions.”

Council cabinet secretary Mel Speding said as the “vast majority” of collisions have involved vehicles turning from side roads, the latest consultation would focus on preventing right turns.

A report is being considered by the council’s highways and planning committee, next Wednesday (February 18).

The report notes that the “predominant” cause of collisions is with vehicles turning right out of and into side roads. Access to and from the side roads would remain open to vehicles making left turns.

If approval is granted formal consultation for the proposals, estimated to cost £150,000, would begin by the end of the month.

Potential changes are also being considered at another problem junction on A690, between East and West Rainton, near the Durham/Sunderland county boundary.