PEOPLE living with one of County Durham's busiest roads on their doorsteps are stepping up their campaign for a speed limit following an accident at the weekend.

A blue Ford Escort hit Barry Hall's home in West End, Witton-le-Wear, on Sunday morning. The car flipped over and landed on its roof 85 yards along the A68.

Although the teenage driver and his passenger escaped with only slight injuries, Mr Hall says it is only a matter of time before lives are lost.

Residents who have called for speed restrictions in the past have been told that the stretch of road does not meet the criteria because there are houses only on one side and there have been only three reported accidents since 2002.

Mr Hall said: "This is the main road to Scotland. People fly along here because there is nothing to stop them.

"It is a straight stretch and they really belt along. There are HGVs flying past our house all the time.

"There are a lot of driveways and small junctions so it is really dangerous. A neighbour's car was clipped not long ago.

"But when we have asked Durham County Council they say that the road does not meet the criteria for a speed limit and it could not be enforced. At least if it was there it would slow people down."

Mr Hall has contacted his county councillor, John Shuttleworth, who said last night he would investigate.

A Durham police spokeswoman said: "There is a history of residents' concerns. Both police and Durham County Council have resisted any change because it (the road) does not meet the criteria."

A 19-year-old man from the Bishop Auckland area was arrested after the accident on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drink or drugs and dangerous driving. He was bailed to report to police next week.

An 18 year-old girl passenger was cut free from the wreckage by fire crews and treated in the University Hospital of North Durham for head and neck injuries. Her condition was not serious.