FEARS for the safety of motorists and pedestrians have been sounded once again in Startforth.
Villager Allan Royds told the latest Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) meeting of his concerns about both the speed and volume of traffic on the A67. He said: “I have lived in Startforth for 30-odd years and it’s always been a problem.
“In the last ten years how many people have been prosecuted for speeding on the A67? I’d dread to think of the number but I fear it would be low. It’s about time people were prosecuted for breaking the law.
“Durham County Council prosecute people for parking offences in the town – police need to be prosecuting people for speeding – it’s dangerous.”
Mr Royds voiced his worries at a Pact meeting earlier this year which triggered police to make preventing speeding on the stretch its monthly priority.
But Mr Royds told the TAP board he felt Speedwatch volunteers were being used as an “an excuse” and he was not convinced warning letters to speeding drivers would work as a deterrent.
He also questioned what had happened to a dropped kerb on the Bowes Road installed 30 years ago.
Mr Royds added: “When the planning application went in for the 162 houses there was going to be a protected crossing on the main road to enable people from the new estate to cross the road – this seems to have been dropped.
“Tonight when I drove up here there were five protected crossing points in Barnard Castle – I don’t think what they are doing is right.
“I think highways are making decisions and have no idea.” County councillor Richard Bell suggested Durham County council’s highways chief Dave Wafer should be called in to discuss the changes lined up for the A67. Neighbourhood inspector Kevin Tuck was absent from the meeting but a statement read out on his behalf said he was aware of the concern and the response would be proportionate.
