Quarry responds to claims of speeding

THE operator of an upper dale quarry says it will not tolerate poor driving standards after receiving complaints about speeding HGVs travelling to and from the site.

The issue was brought to the attention of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council after residents became concerned about speeding wagons through Newbiggin and Dent Bank.

Last month, the parish council wrote a letter to the manager of Force Garth Quarry, in Forest-in-Teesdale, expressing their worries.

At this month’s meeting, parish clerk Judith Mashiter reported that a response had been received from the quarry operator, Cemex.

A letter, from development and estates manager Rob Marsden read: “Cemex take very seriously any concerns about its operations and activities.

“Speeding vehicles and poor driving standards in general are not something which Cemex tolerates.

“If HGV drivers, believed to be operating from our quarry, are observed driving inappropriately and a registration number can be provided to us at the site, then we can check in the first instance if it is

one of our drivers and if so we can check the vehicle telemetry and deal with this accordingly.

“We operate a three strikes and out policy with drivers.”

The parish council had suggested that voluntary speed limit of 30mph was put in place for the HGVs on the B6277 from west of Bowlees to the east of Middleton-in-Teesdale.

However, instead drivers have been issued with more advice about the need to drive courteously through the upper dale.

Mr Marsden wrote: “All of our drivers receive reminders about safe driving and adherence not only to the speed limits but the importance of driving according to road conditions.

“An additional advice note has been issued in respect of the concerns raised about HGVs travelling through the villages and surrounding area to and from the quarry on the B6277.

“Drivers have been reminded of the need to keep well within the mandatory speed restrictions and ensure that vehicles are driven courteously.

“We are liaising with the local police and highways department to ensure any initiative to reduce the speed of quarry HGVs is deemed safe and will not result in a nuisance to other road users.

“Cemex is committed to being a good neighbour and an active member of the community and any concerns about our operations, staff or vehicles operating from the quarry should continue to be reported to the site office in the first instance.

“We would be more than happy to meet with members of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council and discuss any ongoing concerns if you would find this helpful.”

Councillors accepted the response and felt that they had already noticed an improvement.

Cllr Nickie Hough said: “Since our letter I think they have been driving slower. If they have just reminded all of the drivers it is working.”

Clerk Judith Mashiter added: “It is a good result.”