New 20mph zone for 'rat-run' estate

Local councillors say the measures are needed

A 20mph (32kmh) zone and speed cushions in a "rat-run" estate have been backed by councillors.

The new safety measures, for the Musgrave Gardens Estate in Gilesgate, Durham, were tabled after concerns from residents and the police.

Kieran Moralee, Durham County Council's traffic management section manager, told the local authority's highways committee the area had become a "rat-run" due to repeated speeding issues.

Local councillor for Belmont Liberal Democrat Eric Mavin said a school pupil had a "very lucky escape" last week when they were involved in a near-miss incident linked to speeding.

"We, as councillors, want to keep our residents safe, and I'm sure this committee does as well," he said.

The new speed restrictions, including 26 pairs of speed cushions, are set to be introduced in Bradford Crescent, Roosevelt Road, Annand Road, Montgomery Road and Churchill Avenue.

'Excessive'

Fellow Belmont councillor Lesley Mavin, also of the Liberal Democrats, said residents had raised "many concerns" about road safety and speeding through the estate.

One resident, who has lived in the estate for 66 years, said the new restrictions were "excessive and not needed".

But the Reform-run council's traffic management team urged committee members to approve the plans.

Councillor Gary Hutchinson, an Independent member for Bowburn and Coxhoe, added: "One of the main issues in the area is parking but cars still fly along these roads, and children come between the cars.

"The speed cushions will definitely help and I'm surprised it hasn't been done earlier."

The proposal was unanimously supported by the committee, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A final decision will be made by the council's corporate director under delegated powers.