Safe Speed Forums

THE speed limit on a controversial stretch of road, where thousands of motorists have been caught speeding, has been increased.
The limit on the 30mph southbound section of the A179 Easington Road, before the West View roundabout, in Hartlepool, has been raised to 40mph.
In recent years, a mobile speed camera by the Warren Road junction has caught thousands of people speeding – including 1,500 drivers in the space of just four hours.
Council officers and the police claimed the limit should remain at 30mph because of the road's good accident record, maintaining pedestrians would find it hard to cross if the speed limit increased to 40mph.
But that argument was slammed by councillors at a meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council's culture, housing and transportation portfolio yesterday.
Councillor Edna Wright, Liberal Democrat representative for Hart Ward, was herself caught by the camera in May.
She said: "Thousands of motorists have been caught there – it is just a speed trap.
"There is only one 30mph sign after about a dozen 40mph signs and if you blink you miss it."
Coun Rob Cook, Labour representative for Hart, dismissed the claims about pedestrians as the northbound section of the road is already 40mph.
"Pedestrians cross both sides of the road so they still have to cross a 40mph piece of road," he said.
"They do not suddenly stop in the middle of the carriageway and decide not to cross the other half.
"The police are all for it staying at 30mph because it is a money-making exercise."
Portfolio holder, Coun-cillor Robbie Payne, Labour representative for Stranton Ward, agreed to raise the speed limit for a 15-month trial period.
He said: "I have taken time to drive down that particular road four times a day for the past seven days. I cannot understand why it goes from 40mph to 30mph."
New signs will now be placed by the West View roundabout to highlight the speed changes on to Holdforth Road, Throston Grange Lane and the rest of Easington Road.
Coun Wright added: "This is a victory for common sense. On behalf of motorists and constituents, I would like to thank Robbie Payne."
Residents also welcomed the decision.
Eric Forcer, 40, a welder, of Easington Road, said: "The speed camera down here used to be easy money for the police.
"It is a bit stupid for it to be 30mph because the houses are set back from the road."
Malcolm Truefitt, 36, a sheet metal worker of Wynnstay Gardens, said: "This is a good thing because it was just a speed trap for drivers who were coming down here.
"You are slowing down for the roundabout anyway so it seems silly to have a 30mph section."
On Tuesday, the Mail reported how a policeman was fined for speeding on Easington Road on his way to see a crime victim at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
The officer, from Durham Constabulary, was prepared to go to court to challenge his fine.

Didn't a councillor get pinged there? Just asking out of interest, I'm sure it's got nothing to do with the limit being reviewed. cuted for alcohol possesion the day before before Prohibition is repealed.

Councillor Edna Wright, Liberal Democrat representative for Hart Ward, was herself caught by the camera in May.
She said: "Thousands of motorists have been caught there – it is just a speed trap. "There is only one 30mph sign after about a dozen 40mph signs and if you blink you miss it."

Didn't a councillor get pinged there?