ABOUT £150,000 may be spent to replace speed reducing rumble strips because they have proved unpopular with road users.

The 35 strips along Redcar's Esplanade, from Henry Street to Clarendon Street, have cut the accident rate by 68 per cent and reduced speed to an average 18mph.

Following complaints from residents, businesses, bus and taxi operators, modifications were made to the strips, which were installed between 1997 and 1998.

But this failed to stop the complaints, which ranged from alleged vehicle damage, ride quality, noise and ground-borne vibration in nearby properties and an increase in traffic on alternative cross-town routes.

Now, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's coalition cabinet will discuss recommendations on August 31 for a three-year phased programme, costing £150,000, to replace the strips with alternative traffic calming measures.

These will include raised pedestrian areas and intermediate speed reducing cushions.

Initial concerns from the town's fishermen stopped the scheme using traditional traffic calming. Now, they will be consulted again over on-site road hump trials, ensuring they do not cause difficulties with boat clearances.

The cabinet member for strategic planning, development and infrastructure, Councillor Eric Empson, said: "All members of the cabinet believe something needs to be done and now we are very close to making a decision.

"How can you criticise a scheme that cuts down on accidents and reduces speed?

"That's been our dilemma, but we have listened to the public's concerns and we are quietly confident that the new measures will still maintain the Esplanade's excellent safety record."