Speed humps scheme will stop school 'rat running'

People living in Eliza Street and Thomas Street, in Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, complained to Durham county councillor Anne Wright after growing problems with "rat running" through their streets.

They found parents were using the roads to avoid a signal-controlled crossing at the centre of Sacriston.

Closing the through route beyond the northern end of Eliza Street was initially proposed, but residents protested.

After further consultation, a revised scheme using four road humps - two in each street - was proposed.

The county council's highways committee, which was urged by council officers to approve the plans, was told 80 per cent of people who responded to a survey were in favour.

However, one resident said the proposal would not stop through traffic and cars travelled fastest along the top of the street.

But highways manager Roger Elphick said traffic calming was proposed to stop the "rat run" - not reduce speeds.

A resident of Mafeking Terrace said vehicle access was already limited and no further measures were needed.

Another objector expressed concern about the cost of the scheme.

But Mr Elphick said the scheme would be funded from the Local Area Measures Allowance and was cost effective.

Mr Elphick also discounted concerns about access in the snow.

He said, during wet weather, motorists could use the northern end of Eliza and Thomas Street, and drive into Front Street.

A Thomas Street resident said he "needed a traffic hump outside my bedroom window, like I need a hole in the head".

Mr Elphick said research had shown that traffic calming schemes reduced overall traffic noise.

The North-East Ambulance Service and the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were concerned about the road humps, but did not formally object.

Councillor Wright said: "Hopefully, this will deter some people from going down that way.

"I would hope they are installed as soon as possible."