POLICE chiefs have warned of a crackdown on a road where a third of motorists have been exceeding the speed limit.

The research by Durham Police on the B6372 at Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, led to the decision to target the road, which has 30mph and 40mph speed limits. The decision was made at a meeting of the Durham and Darlington Road Casualty Reduction Forum.

A police spokesman said: "It should be borne in mind that speed enforcement is a core duty of the police and takes place every day on all the roads of County Durham and Darlington."

The forum comprises representatives of the police, Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council, the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, the Highways Agency and County Durham Primary Care Trust.