Surveys highlight extent of speeding in Teesdale

HOT shot drivers have been urged to cool it in amid ongoing summer speed patrols.

Volunteers Susan Dodgson and Stephen Beardsall caught 21 drivers exceeding the 30mph limit on the A67 Bowes Road in Startforth on one day alone this month.

The road did have a better record than other in villages around the dale with about ten per cent of passing vehicles breaking the limit compared to 40 per cent on the approach to Middleton-in-Teesdale and 50 per cent in Romaldkirk.

But some of the speeds the pair caught did cause concern.

Ms Dodgson said: “We’ve had 41, 44, 45 and a 40mph – these are silly speeds and you can kill yourself doing them.”

The downhill stretch on Bowes Road has been a sticking point for villagers over the years with the parish council installing a “PC Speedy” in a bid to slow drivers.

Bright fluorescent bibs mean motorists often spot the volunteers before they pass the speed detector and hit the brakes. But the pair were happy to act as a deterrent in any way they could.

Mr Beardsall added: “We don’t come out with the intention of getting as many as we can – we would rather they see what we’re doing and slow down.”