Campaigners closer to victory in Sunderland danger road speed limit battle

An accident blackspot is one step closer to having its speed limit reduced after a petition was lodged by campaigners.
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Tunstall Hope Road, in Sunderland, could have its maximum speed dropped from 40mph to 30mph in parts after ward councillors and residents submitted more than 360 signatures to Sunderland City Council.

The council, after carrying out detailed speed surveys, has agreed that a reduction in the limit from near Harperley Drive to just beyond Tunstall Hope Lodge could improve road safety and will shortly launch a public consultation period.

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Campaigner Helen Snowball, who has lived in the Hope Road area for three years and regularly uses the road, started the petition and called on local councillors to support her.

Speed limits on Tunstall Hope Road, in Sunderland, may be reduced to 30 miles per hour in places.Speed limits on Tunstall Hope Road, in Sunderland, may be reduced to 30 miles per hour in places.
Speed limits on Tunstall Hope Road, in Sunderland, may be reduced to 30 miles per hour in places.

She said: “In my time living in the area, I have seen so many accidents on this road.

"And still, I see cars travelling quickly on this road. I am delighted that the council have looked into this and that action will be taken.

"This is a great starting point to improve safety on this dangerous stretch of road.”

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Councillor Philip Tye, Labour ward councillor for Silksworth, who helped organise the petition with party and ward colleague Cllr Pat Smith, added: “We know that positive action has already been taken to make this road safer, with the council having already reduced it from a national speed limit road to a 40mph zone some years ago.

"However, we have long believed these limits don’t go far enough and we’re delighted that this petition has forced action to ensure that we make the Hope Road as safe as possible for drivers passing through it.

“There have been many accidents – some fatalities – on this stretch of road and we firmly believe that reducing the speed limit will have a positive impact, making this safer for the many thousands of drivers who use it each week.

"This is a real step forward and we’re pleased officers at the council have taken our concerns on board and are taking action.”

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Should plans be agreed after the public consultation stage, the limit will be adjusted as part of the council’s programme of minor road works in 2021.

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