Fears that pedestrian could be killed as councillor complains about speeding traffic on ‘new mad mile’

Councillor Paul McInnes told a meeting there had been eight serious incidents already this year on the built up part of Flatts Lane along with West Street, in Normanby, which eventually lead to the traffic lights junction on the High Street.

Cllr McInnes described how a school pupil was struck when trying to cross the road near the Norman Conquest pub, while a Labrador dog was also fatally run over in another accident.

He also said cars had been involved in three major collisions at the junction with Guildford Road, while vehicles had driven into railings, barriers and through newly planted trees and a fence.

Cllr McInnes said: “We have had numerous traffic surveys carried out by the council’s highways team and some speed restriction signs added, but with no real effect.

“We have major concerns about speeding and urgent action is required before we have to witness a fatality.”

Cllr McInnes, who represents the Normanby ward on Redcar and Cleveland Council, suggested the area had spawned a “new mad mile”.

He later said he had secured a meeting with cabinet member for highways and transport, Councillor Carl Quartermain to discuss potential highway safety measures and wished to see a roadside device installed that would display motorists’ speeds, suggesting councillors could pay for this with their ward allowances.

He said: “They do work as people can see how fast they are going, so they slow down.”

Cllr Quartermain said: “In Normanby we have already delivered a number of significant schemes in recent years including traffic signal upgrades at Flatts Lane and the A171 junction as well at Normanby Top.

“Also on Flatts Lane a speed reduction scheme with enhanced markings and vehicle activated signage was put in place, and surveys and assessments continue.”

The cabinet member said accident statistics last year showed a reduction in the number of road traffic casualties in the borough, but he conceded “there is always more to do”.

Last year another Normanby ward councillor, Curt Pugh said rumble strips and a flashing speed warning sign installed near the Flatts Lane Country Park were “not working” and largely being ignored by drivers.

Flatts Lane connects the A171 Middlesbrough to Guisborough road with Normanby and begins with a 60mph limit, dropping down to 40mph as drivers pass the new Woodcross Gate housing development.

It then becomes 30mph heading over a bridge which crosses the A174 Parkway, leading to the Norman Conquest pub.

Further on there is a limited 20mph zone outside Normanby Primary School up to Bankfields Road before the limit returns to 30mph as motorists begin the descent into Normanby top.

Cllr McInnes, who has a business in Normanby, suggested the limit could remain 20mph, something that he had discussed with local community groups.

He described how cars were “catapulted” along and said motorists struggled with the delineation in the speed limits.

But he conceded: “Drivers are the problem aren’t they, it’s not the council.

“If we all stuck to the speed limits there wouldn’t be any problems.

“However anything that will slow people down, no matter how small, it’s worth doing in my opinion as somebody is going to get killed sooner or later.”