Fresh calls for crossroads safety measures after serious crash

Calls have been made for a chicane to be installed along the C41 to make Kinninvie crossroads safe following a crash that left a woman severely injured last month.

Annette Kaye was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital on October 13 after her car collided with another and smashed into a nearby home.

The notorious junction has been the scene of numerous collisions despite Durham County Council installing an array of safety measures over the years.

A metal grid was installed on the side of the home that has been hit several times.

In a previous crash a vehicle ploughed through the wall and into the dining room.

The family living there had finished eating lunch in the dining room only minutes before the incident.

County officers say they are still waiting for information about the latest incident but understand concerns raised by residents.

One of them, who did not want to be named, is echoing previous calls for a chicane to be added to the approach to the crossroads to slow down traffic and make drivers more aware of their surroundings.

He suggested it should be placed near to an existing vehicle activated warning sign.

The resident added: “The ideal chicane is one here and one further down.

“Otherwise people will come up the road and drive around it.

“It wants a proper chicane both sides.

“They will have to be a distance apart so articulated vehicles can get through.

“A lot of them come through here.”

Dave Lewin, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager, said: “We were sorry to hear of the crash at Kinninvie and first and foremost, our thoughts are with the woman who was injured.

“While we are awaiting information regarding the cause of the accident, we do appreciate the concerns of residents.

“We have previously implemented several improvements designed to slow traffic and improve safety at the junction, including stop signs, road markings and vehicle-activated warning signs.

“These measures have been installed well in advance of the junction to help ensure they are clearly visible to drivers.”