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| Bus stops on opposite sides of the highway on the B1281 looking westward from the junction with Castle Eden Village |
Complaints often relate to the speed and volume of vehicles but there are also worries about other traffic related matters, largely on an unlit stretch of road, and we spoke of these concerns at the planning committee at county hall last month when, despite our objections, consent was granted to Hargreaves to remove the spoil heap at Hesleden.
We were particularly worried that the increase in traffic using the B1281 would have a direct impact on road safety in this area (please see post dated Wednesday 6 January 2016 for further details)
As frequent users of the road ourselves we have also noticed an increase in the number of incidents and near-misses along this part of the road, the most recent of which occurred early yesterday morning (Friday 5 February) near to the junction of the B1281 and the entrance to Castle Eden village where there are two bus stops, one on each side of the road.
As a result of this latest incident we have written to the planning office at the local authority again setting out our concerns and asking for measures to be put in place to mitigate the effect of increased traffic generation on the B1281 between Hesleden and Castle Eden.
If you have any similar concerns or incidents to report please let us know and we'll collate any evidence to take to county hall as part of our campaign to make this road safe. Alternatively please forward any concerns direct to the planning office using the email link chris.shields@durham.gov.uk
We have published our correspondence to the planning office below for information and we will update on developments as and when they arise.
Using the B1281 between Blackhall Colliery and Castle Eden several times each day we have noticed recently a number of near-misses caused by large vehicles on the road between Hesleden and Castle Eden.
The latest
incident occurred at 6.50 this morning when the X35 bus travelling eastward
directly in front had to pull over onto the whole pavement just to the
west of the access road to Castle Eden village to allow two HGV’s to pass
safely. Incidents such as this are commonplace and obviously they have
implications for both traffic flow along the B1281 and also for road-user and
pedestrian safety in this area. Inquiries with the relevant bus service would
corroborate this event.
You will be
aware that we raised concerns recently at the strategic planning
committee about the increased risk of road traffic accidents in this area
should consent be granted to Hargreaves to remove the pit heap at Hesleden. At
the time we were given assurances by the highways authority officer that there were no road
safety issues on the B1281 between Hesleden and Castle Eden (or at least none
that would warrant refusal of permission). You reinforced his position by
stating clearly in committee that, in your experience, traffic can pass easily
on the highway in this area, without recourse to passing over to the opposite
side of the carriageway or pulling to a halt. Those comments are not sustained
by my experience and observations as related above.
We would be
grateful if you would advise of any conditions attached to the approval for
this development which would limit the risk of accidents on this road,
particularly when it is considered that traffic generation from the development
in Hesleden will be significant, with the risk of accidents increased in
proportion.
