THERE are almost 20 roads in County Durham and Darlington where mobile speed camera vans are operating to deter speeding motorists.

These areas have been identified as the locations with the highest level of casualties or where speeding is particularly bad.

The Cleveland and Durham Specialist Unit has published the list of locations, where its safety camera van is being deployed in response.

It is part of its 'casualty reduction strategy', which aims to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the region's roads due to speeding motorists.

According to the RAC Foundation, speeding was reported as a factor in 6 per cent of all accidents, but these accidents accounted for 12 per cent of deaths in 2018. 

Here are the 16 roads that have been identified in the strategy, and where the speed camera van is operating.

  • A690 West Rainton
  • A67 High Coniscliffe, Darlington
  • A67 Darlington Road, Barnard Castle
  • A693 Blind Lane, Chester le Street
  • B6532 Edmondsley Lane, Daisy Hill, Sacriston
  • A68 Rowley Bank, Castleside
  • A692 Consett Road/Deneburn Terrace, The Grove, Consett
  • A692 Dipton
  • A167 Aycliffe Village
  • Orbital Road, Chester le Street
  • Lowhills Road/York Road, Peterlee
  • A6076 Shield Row Bank
  • B6168 Annfield Plain/Catchgate
  • B6409 Watling Street, Leadgate
  • B1283 Sherburn West
  • Carmel Road South/Ayton Drive, Darlington

But as well as the above roads, the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Unit says the van can be deployed at additional sites if they have been the subject of local complaints, or traffic data shows it is required.

What happens if you get caught

A statement from the unit said: "Some offenders caught speeding by the safety camera may be offered the option to take part in the 'Speed Awareness Diversionary Scheme'.

"This gives drivers the option of avoiding formal court action by attending a course which highlights and educates drivers about the dangers of excess speed. 

"As well as the safety camera unit RPU officers carry out speed enforcement and a range of other enforcement checks together with driver education options in an effort to reduce road casualties.

"At the present time if you are stopped for a speeding offence by an RPU officer, you will not be offered the option to attend a speed awareness course as an alternative to prosecution."