Call for speed survey on Alnwick road where drivers 'whizz past'

The issue on Alnmouth Road was raised by Mayor Lynda Wearn at a meeting of Alnwick Town Council’s planning, highways and transport committee.

She informed members that junction works were being done over the next three months in connection with the new Windy Edge development.

The Mayor also revealed that Northumberland County Council intends to introduce a 40mph speed limit between the current 30mph zone and Alndykes Farm.

However, she believes that action is needed to curb speeds within the 30mph zone.

“They are missing the point,” she said. “The problem is not with the traffic coming in, it’s with the traffic going out. They do speed on the way in but not nearly as fast as those leaving the town. They whizz past, they really do.

Members of Alnwick Town Council’s planning, highways and transport committee are now calling for a speed survey to be carried out.

Chairman, Cllr Martin Swinbank said: “Clearly there are some concerns there so we need to keep an eye on it. It would be good to get a speed camera there at some point, although it seems we could really do with it both ways.

Cllr Wearn said that a speed survey carried out by Northumberland Estates in preparation for the housing development clocked average speeds at 39mph.

"That was further away from the junction though, between Thornbrae and The Oaks,” she said.

Cllr Peter Edge said the speed of vehicles was a significant issue but felt further evidence of the problem was required.

His suggestion that Northumberland County Council be approached about conducting a further survey closer to the junction was agreed.

"People do go above the speed limit going out,” he said. “It’s a natural thing that people are accelerating going out because it looks like an open road.”

Cllr Swinbank said: “Once the 14 week roadworks period is over we will ask for the survey to be done beyond the junction. That would catch the speediest point.”

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