PRESSURE is being kept on highway authorities for further improvements at the notorious Black Swan crossing on the A19 near Hutton Rudby.

Some improvements have been carried out but councillors are calling for further work and a possible 50mph speed reduction.

Rudby Parish Council invited other parish representatives to a meeting last year with highways chiefs. Consultants have examined the A19 from Crathorne to the Cleveland Tontine, and a new report is imminent.

The parish council is considering its next move - and keen that its neighbours fully understand the many issues involved.

Speaking at its last meeting, Coun Caroline Seymour said: "The report is prepared and hopefully a new county council officer will be happy to come to another meeting, if we want. We can discuss whether they will do any more work."

Councillors thought lobbying should continue.

Coun Seymour agreed, adding: "Some people have said lowering the speed limit to 50mph is a police issue, but I've said there are lots of 50mph areas."

Chairman Coun Judith Follows said the two changes to the crossing layout happened within quite a short period of time.

Others said there were visibility problems associated with cars turning right toward Hutton Rudby from the northbound carriageway. In darkness, visibility was poor, and junction markings, give way signs and turning areas were confusing.

Problems also arose when cars met at the junction.

Coun Follows said: "If we are going to have another meeting, it would be best if people came along fully informed. The last meeting was more of a talking shop.

"It would be really useful if people see the report or summary, so we have something more substantial to talk about."