PLANS for traffic calming measures on a road in Seaham have been welcomed.

Durham County Council's highways committee agreed to rip out two chicanes that failed to deal with the problems in Princess Road and five triple-speed cushions will be installed instead to reduce the speed of drivers who ignore the 30mph limit.

Head of highways Roger Elphick told councillors the chicanes had not reduced speeds and had been hit several times by vehicles. He said: "We should be spending money on sorting out the problem.''

Dawdon councillor Eddie Mason said: "The chicanes have, in some ways, made things worse than they were."

The plan was opposed by six residents - 42 were in favour - who said buses and emergency vehicles maybe delayed and there would be nowhere to park.