People in the lower dale are to be asked for their views on speeding in their villages.
The move follows efforts by parish councillors in Gainford, Ingleton, Winston and Staindrop joined forces to get more traffic calming measures introduced.
They believe that by working together they will have a stronger voice when speaking to county officers about problems in their areas.
The project was spearheaded by Gainford representative Cllr Sarah Hannan.
A public meeting was called in Ingleton on November 3 to hear people’s concerns.
Cllr Hannan said: “As parishes we can ask Durham County Council for help and the most effective way to do this is if we can show that traffic in villages is causing a detriment to human life.”
She added that for police to consider active speed enforcement it has to be shown that 15 per cent of traffic is exceeding the speed limit by 5mph.
Cllr Hannan said: “In Gainford the survey carried out in September 2025 showed 13 per cent.
Ingleton Parish Council has obtained their most recent data from 2023 and were expecting a new survey to be carried out soon.”
Almost 20 people attended the public meeting.
Many complained that speeding cars and wagons made it difficult to cross the road and speeding wagons at night caused homes to shake.
Various traffic calming measures were discussed including introducing 20mph speed limits, relocating where speed limits start and end in villages and introducing 40mph buffer zones.
None of those attending felt that any measures would work unless they were accompanied by enforcement.
It was agreed that Cllr Hannan would prepare a proforma survey to send to the four parish councils with a request they ask their parishioners about how traffic impacts their lives.
Questions include particular roads or junctions that are a problem, how does speeding affect them and their ability to access services such as surgeries, shops or schools.
It also asks what people believe could be done to make local roads safer.
People will also be asked if they would volunteer if a speedwatch group is set up.
