Calls for reduced speed limit on 'dangerous' road

The Safer in Shincliffe group argues improving road markings and signage is not enough

Residents are calling for a reduced speed limit on their "dangerous" road.

The A177 sees 40% of all road fatalities in the city of Durham, according to crash map data from between 2017 and 2022.

The road runs through Shincliffe, where campaigners want the speed limit reduced, as well as better signage and road markings.

But Durham County Council believe the existing speed limit “remains credible and appropriate" for the location.

'Nightmarish'

Locals say the A177 is a black spot for crashes, as it is the only A road into the city which is 40mph and single carriageway.

Graham Hollingworth lives on the road.

He says he is often the first to the scene when crashes take place and that he does not “want to drag more people out of their cars”.

Bill Clatworthy, a local parish councillor, said people were worried about crossing the road.

He said: “Crossing the road is nightmarish. The speed is dangerous.”

Recent incidents on the road include a car crashing into a bay window of a house and the destruction of a memorial bench, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Not suitable'

After being told by the council traffic officer that a speed limit reduction in Shincliffe was not "suitable", the group appealed.

Durham Police said the appeal was investigated, but the number of vehicles travelling within their enforcement thresholds "did not meet" the level where they would "consider dedicated speed enforcement attention".

The force added that there was significant demand on officers and it had to prioritise resources.

Durham County Council's Dave Lewin said: “We have carried out a speed limit review on the A177 at Shincliffe and it does not meet the criteria for the limit to be changed."

He added that the council treated "every request fairly".