Speed limit on Vigo Lane to remain at 40mph despite plea

Craig Martin, Liberal Democrat member for North Lodge, accused Durham County Council of ignoring a local campaign to reduce the 40mph speed limit on Vigo Lane, near Chester-le-Street, to 30mph. 

A petition was signed by hundreds of people living in the area, including residents of nearby Birtley in Gateshead. 

But the council said it is satisfied with the current speed limit for the road. 

Yet, Cllr Martin hit out at the council’s decision. 

Councillor Craig Martin (second left) with campaigners on Vigo Lane. (Image: Cllr Craig Martin)

He said: "I am appalled by this decision from the Reform-led Durham County Council to keep the speed limit at 40mph. With Vigo Lane now being completely residential, following on from the building of new homes, 40mph is too fast. 

“They are ignoring the concerns of residents who see and live with these dangers on a daily basis."

Campaigners first raised concerns about speeding in 2022, when a similar petition was set up to improve road safety. The campaign was recently reignited after new homes at a housing development near Vigo Lane were built. 

But a survey carried out following the initial 2022 petition found the average measured speed was 33.2mph along Vigo Lane, which the council said showed “that the 40mph speed limit remains credible and appropriate”. 

In 10 years of personal crash data, there have been two recorded incidents. However, no crashes attributed to speed have been recorded on Vigo Lane

Durham Police, which works with the council on changes to speed limits, also backed the decision.  

Responding to the petition, the local authority said: “Durham County Council’s safety auditors have carried out two audits on Vigo Lane, which were requested by the developer as part of the planning, design, and construction process. Neither audit identified any road safety concerns in relation to the 40mph speed limit on Vigo Lane.  

“Although no changes to the speed limit were proposed as part of the development, some changes were made to the road layout, which included additional pedestrian crossing facilities and no further changes are currently being considered on Vigo Lane.”

And Andrew Husband, Reform council leader, said the council’s decision was influenced by the former joint administration in charge of the local authority, of which Craig Martin was a member. 

He said: “Cllr Martin is complaining about the evidence-based approach, which was adopted by THEM throughout their administration until we were elected in May last year. 

“Reform will work with officers to review all policies we have inherited from the Liberal Democrats, which they now appear to be conveniently ‘appalled’ with.”

But Cllr Martin said campaigners will not give up despite the latest refusal. 

He added: "Despite this rejection by Reform, I and my fellow Liberal Democrats will keep fighting. We continue to believe that a 30mph limit on Vigo Lane is necessary for the safety of our communities."