New traffic restrictions are set to be introduced on a Durham street to improve road safety and discourage through traffic. 

A permanent 20mph zone and speed bumps will be built along Framwellgate Moor Front Street following concerns from residents. 

Locals have warned about pedestrian safety on the street. The area predominantly consists of local businesses as well as being a bus route with on-street parking available. 

The new proposals put forward by the local authority include a ‘speed table’ between Bridgemere Drive and Alexander Close to mark the speed limit change from 30mph coming from Pity Me into the 20mph zone of Front Street. 

The Northern Echo: Locals have warned about pedestrian safety on the street. Locals have warned about pedestrian safety on the street. (Image: Google)

Another ramp and seven smaller speed bumps are also proposed along the street. 

A council report added: “The proposed works will lead to an enhancement of the retail area with improvements to the public realm, which will see raised speed tables and the formal introduction of the 20mph zone alongside other works including new bollards and carriageway resurfacing.”

However, one resident objected to the plans. They warned the current speed ramps are already effective enough at slowing down traffic. 

“The installation of a further 7 speed bumps over that distance would mean negotiating one every 35 or so metres, which seems excessive - and impact even more on our car springs! 

“The additional ones will force local traffic to go back to Arnison roundabout and go along the A690 bypass. That will increase fuel usage and emissions and will make that mini roundabout by Merlin Coach Works busier. 

“Surely if the proposals are to prevent non-locals using the route as a shortcut, the installation of ‘local traffic only’ could be tried first. At least I would ask if the seven installations could be reduced in numbers.” 

But in response, the council’s highways team said the new measures are the safest way to protect pedestrians and are not expected to damage vehicles. 

“Traffic calming in the form of road humps remains a recognised means of providing traffic calming in streets as an aid to improving road safety” Durham County Council said. 

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The Northern Echo: A permanent 20mph zone and speed bumps will be built along Framwellgate Moor Front Street A permanent 20mph zone and speed bumps will be built along Framwellgate Moor Front Street (Image: Google)

“It is preferred that non-local through traffic use the routes described by the objector as a more even distribution of traffic across alternative routes should further assist in maintaining lower traffic speeds and reduced volume of traffic in this location where there is more pedestrian activity. 

“While not the primary aim of the scheme, discouraging this through traffic is desirable and the alternative route is of a similar distance. There is no reason that this scheme would increase traffic at the mini roundabout.”

The new measures are set to be decided by the local authority under delegated powers.