Speed limit reduction refused despite petitions

Pleas to reduce speed limits on two rural roads have been rejected despite more than 200 people signing petitions in favour.

Durham County Council said it would not bring in new 30mph zones in Weardale and Teesdale after reviews concluded motorists were generally adhering to existing limits.

Calls had been made to reduce the 60mph limits on the A689 in Eastgate and the B6277 in Newbiggin.

However, the local authority said both roads had low accident records.

In Eastgate, 116 people signed a petition in support of the measures.

Motorists are advised to drive at a maximum speed of 30mph when approaching the village due to changes in the road layout.

A 30mph speed limit was enforced in nearby Daddry Shield and Bridge End in 2022 after a community campaign.

But the county council said reviews of existing vehicle speeds and crash history did not support reducing the limit in Eastgate.

There have also been no recorded personal injury crashes in the past five years on the road, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The council said it took residents' concerns "seriously", but that motorists were complying with the existing limit.

About 122 signed a petition calling for the speed to be reduced on the B6277.

However, the council said only one crash had occurred on the road in the last five years when a motorcyclist attempted to undertake a car.

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