HIGHWAYS chiefs have given the go-ahead for traffic calming measures in three north Durham communities following concerns by residents about speeding.

Members of Durham County Council’s highways committee agreed to a scheme for the C5 (Pelton Lane) and C94 (Newfield Terrace) at Newfield, near Chester-le-Street.

The move follows concerns over speeding and about a large housing development within the village and its impact on the two schools.

Working with the Newfield Road Safety Group, highways chiefs felt the best solution was the installation of speed cushions, along with two gateway features.

They also recommended the speed limit be reduced from the national speed limit of 60mph to 40mph on the C5, between the villages of Newfield and Grange Villa. Both measures were endorsed by councillors, who agreed to leave out one of the speed cushions following representations from a nearby resident.

The first phase of the scheme was completed earlier in the year. It comprised footpath widening, a pedestrian guard rail and a built out area to help the primary school and crossing patrol.

Councillors approved a further traffic calming scheme involving speed cushions in Tail Upon End Lane, Bowburn, near Durham City, where a number of vehicles have left the road on a tight bend.

Ward councillor Jan Blakey said: “A survey on the road in 2009 showed 82 per cent of traffic was over speed limit.

“It has been raised at numerous parish council meetings. We were hoping to do a full scheme to hump the whole length but did not have enough money.”

She added: “We have had a number of unreported accidents on the sharp bend, because cars coming from the A177 do not realise how sharp it is– even with the signs there are.

“They literally take the signs out and go straight into the field.”

Councillors agreed not to go ahead with proposals for a chicane on another stretch of the road.

They also approved further measures on Durham Road in Wingate, east Durham.

The committee was told a survey found that 36 per cent of vehicles were travelling above the 30mph speed limit. The scheme provides for the provision of five sets of triple cushions.