PRESSURE is mounting on Darlington Borough Council to change its policy on combating speeding motorists in rural villages.

As reported last week, Sadberge Parish Council was told it would not be allowed to purchase and operate a speed indicator sign, even though the money had been raised.

Now Heighington and Coniscliffe ward councillor Gerald Lee has expressed his frustration that parishes are not being allowed to take control of a problem that is a blight on the lives of some.

"We have to accept there is a problem with speeding in the villages," he said.

"This is the solution. These signs are easily moved and not difficult to operate.

"All I'm trying to say is, we have this problem that won't go away, the police and the council haven't got the finances to support it, so can we do it ourselves?"

There are two mobile signs in operation around Darlington. But as it stands they must be operated with a police officer present.

The signs detect the speed of oncoming vehicles before flashing the figure back to the motorist.

Coun Lee said speeding is the main concern raised by residents at his regular surgeries. The ward includes busy sections of the A67 and A68.

A survey completed in 2006 showed that 23,000 vehicles used the A67 every day, 46 per cent of which were travelling at speeds greater than 35mph, the speed limit being 30mph.

Coun Lee wants Darlington to adopt a scheme run by Lancashire County Council in which towns, villages and parish councils can buy and operate the signs if they meet certain criteria.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said: "There are a number of issues that need to be addressed before we can look at proposals to operate such schemes.

"We have previously advised Sadberge parish council on the issues they need to consider and said if they submit a proposal addressing these issues we will be happy to look at it. This would also apply to other areas.

"We need to consider the safety of those people proposing to operate such a scheme and the safety of the public on the highway. There would also be a requirement for the police to be involved in this process."

The spokeswoman said the authority would be working to encourage parish councils to take up the new Community Speed Watch initiative, which involves a police representative logging the speed of vehicles with the member of the public that has made the complaint.

She added: "We very much see this as the way forward, it will offer opportunities to educate motorists and will offer the means to carry out necessary enforcement, when required."