Warning letters sent out to speeding motorists after spot checks

Five owners will be contacted after their vehicles were recorded exceeding 35 miles per hour in Chantry Place, known locally in West Rainton as the top road, which has a 30 miles per hour limit.

Checks with speed monitoring equipment were carried out by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from Durham Police with help from local volunteers and West Rainton and Leamside Parish Council.

The speed of 50 vehicles was recorded with the fastest reaching 40 miles per hour.

More checks are likely with council chairman Coun Iain Clifford hoping North Street and South Street will be targeted.

He said: “In my opinion the speed limit there should be reduced to 20 miles per hour because parked cars on the main road can make life difficult if you are pulling out of the side roads.”