A PLAN has been approved to tackle speeding through a village - by increasing the speed limit.

The number of drivers flouting the 30mph rule along the A689 westerly entrance to Stanhope, in Weardale, has been raised as a priority through police and community together (PACT) meetings since 2012.

It is hoped the decision to install a 40mph buffer zone along the A689 and B6278 national speed limit roads before motorists reach the 30mph limit in Stanhope will encourage drivers to cut their speed more gradually.

Concerned residents launched a petition against the proposals and spoke out at Durham County Council’s highway committee meeting today.

Chris Walker said: “Speeding has been a PACT issue for two years and a big concern for us residents. How does increasing the speed limit allay these concerns? I don’t believe increasing the speed limit will increase road safety.

“The car park for Weardale Community Hospital holds up to 50 cars that all come out directly onto the B6278 road.

“People are literally putting their life on the line to pull onto that road as it is, without putting the limit up to 40mph.”

Highways officer Brian Buckley said police had carried out numerous surveys which concluded that 85 per cent of drivers travelled along the B6278 at 27mph.

He said: “Objectors feel that increasing the limit up to 40mph will be detrimental, but we would not agree with that, the proposals comply with Department for Transport guidelines and will be successful in reducing speed overall.

“The increased speed limit is a maximum and not a target. Motorists are already driving under the limit.

“We don’t anticipate that drivers will increase their speed because the limit has gone up, they will still drive according to their surroundings.”

Councillor David Hall said: “We are increasing the limit too far into the residential area. Residents have said drivers are generally adhering to road conditions so it doesn’t make sense to put the limit up.”

Mr Buckley added: “Road safety is paramount to us and the scheme is to emphasise the speed limits. “The roads will have clear signage. We are addressing an issue that has been raised by residents and the police.”

County councillors John Shuttleworth and Anita Savory both gave their backing to the proposal, along with Stanhope Parish Council.

The highways committee voted in favour of increasing the speed limit by seven to three.