MOTORISTS are urging action over an accident blackspot on the outskirts of Darlington.

The plea comes after two cars collided yesterday on the A68 at Burtree, before the junction near to Burtree Caravans, exactly a week after a crash which led to a man being cut free from his upturned car.

Four people were hurt in the collision between a BMW and Jaguar at 10.40pm yesterday.

One woman, a man and a girl were taken by ambulance to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Another woman was airlifted to North Tees General Hospital. It is believed their injuries are not serious.

Motorists are now calling on Darlington Borough Council and emergency services to take action to prevent further accidents at the junction.

Heighington resident Valerie Whitby, who uses the A68 daily, said: "I have seen so many near misses and these two accidents could have been very serious. It is very concerning and something must be done about it.

"Darlington council recently announced they had more money to spend on the roads, so why not introduce a small roundabout at this junction near Burtree Caravans?

"It would slow down the traffic, but still keep it flowing."

However, a council spokesperson said the extra £2.5m the council has to spend on roads across the borough is for minor resurfacing works and not major road infrastructure changes like building a roundabout.

But he said the concerns would be passed on to the council's highways department.

A spokeswoman for Durham Police said: "Although this second accident was not as serious as the first, we have asked the traffic department to look at this area to see if accidents regularly occur here. Our findings will determine our course of action."

* A 25-year-old man is still recovering after being cut free from his Seat Leon following last Monday's three-car crash.

Police are making a fresh appeal for witnesses to the accident and wish to speak to the driver of a blue Citroen Saxo, who left the scene without leaving details.

Witnesses are asked to call 0191-375 2159.