New measures proposed to tackle speeding in Northumberland village

Traffic calming measures are being proposed on the approach to Bamburgh from Seahouses on the B1340.

Northumberland County Council is considering narrowing the road outside Armstrong Cottages.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Bamburgh ward member, said: “There are solid proposals for road narrowing at Armstrong Cottages based on the speed survey we did.”

There are currently red rumble strips on the northbound approach to the village to slow traffic down but these have failed to have the desired effect.

Drivers were clocked speeding at over 50mph through the village’s 30mph zone when a survey was carried out in summer 2019.

Speeds at Links Road South (Armstrong Cottages) measured 36.9mph northbound and 39.3mph southbound.

Traffic was also found to be speeding on Radcliffe Road and Links Road (Plantation).

Vehicles were also recorded travelling at speeds of 50.5mph and 49.7mph on Links Road South and Radcliffe Road between 6am and 7am.

The county council has been considering alternative traffic calming measures over the past year.

In a letter to Bamburgh Parish Council earlier this year, Paul Jones, head of local services, acknowledged that the speed survey data showed there was an issue.

However, he added: “Physical speed calming measures will need careful consideration given the conservation status nature of the area and also the requirements of farm traffic and that this is a diversion route for the A1.”

The proposal will now go to consultation with Bamburgh Parish Council expected to consider the issue at its next meeting on December 8.

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