Last week, following months of traffic delays, the B1281 in Blackhall Colliery reopened following construction works to install a roundabout as an essential part of the new housing development nearby.
The intention of the developers in including the roundabout in their plans was to slow traffic down naturally as it approaches the village, rather than leave the B1281 as it had been before - a straight road open to temptation for speeding drivers. However, in the few days since the road was reopened, I’ve been contacted by a couple of residents who believe that the roundabout might have the opposite effect and that accidents are more likely to occur as a result. I contacted the authorities last week on behalf of residents and I asked for their concerns to be passed to the highways section, the traffic management team at Durham police and any other relevant agency for their attention. Specifically I’ve asked for advice on installing permanent advisory signage for the new road layout and also a potential review of the speed limit if it’s deemed by the authorities to be necessary or effective.
As ever I’ll update on progress when I have a response from the authorities. In the meantime let’s hope that drivers stick to the rules, comply with the guidance in the Highway Code and drive according to the road conditions at this location and elsewhere.
