Speed limits could be reduced to 20mph on roads near some Bishop Auckland schools if councillors approve the proposal.
Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to agree a new approach to establishing 20mph limits and zones.
Only two such zones and one limit have been introduced in the county during the past 10 years. However, the authority is reassessing its policy following a review by the authority’s Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and scrutiny Committee.
The proposed new approach would see part-time 20mph speed limits come into force on roads near 33 schools in County Durham where the highest number of accidents involving children have occurred. In some areas, traffic calming measures could also be introduced.
This would be accompanied by an educational programme which would have three strands – making children more road aware; promoting cycling and walking as alternatives to driving; and promoting speed awareness among motorists.
Areas where the speed limit would be implemented include roads around King James 1 Academy, Etherley Lane Nursery, Etherley Lane Primary, Evergreen, Bishop Barrington, St Anne’s CE Primary and Woodhouse Community Primary.
If the proposals are agreed by Cabinet when it meets at County Hall on Wednesday 17th December, residents, schools, AAPs and other groups would be consulted before any 20mph zones are introduced.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
