New speed restrictions planned near Cragside after safety concerns raised
New speed restrictions are to be introduced near one of Northumberland’s most popular tourist attractions.
A 40mph speed limit has been approved on the B6341 at Cragside, near Rothbury.
Concerns had been raised about traffic speeds and safety on the route, especially in summer.
The National Trust-managed attraction, former home of Victorian inventor and engineer William Armstrong and renowned for its magnificent gardens, attracts some 250,000 visitors a year.
The new speed restriction will be implemented from the end of the 30mph zone in Rothbury.
The move has been welcomed by The National Trust.
In its response as a statutory consultee, it states: “We have found in recent years that this rural road network is increasingly busy, and we therefore support the reduction in the speed limit for road safety reasons.”
The National Trust adds that it would welcome further discussion with Northumberland County Council around other potential improvements, including drainage issues during wet weather near the ticket hut and visitor parking along the road.
"When Cragside reaches capacity and has to close, visitors have increasingly parked along the road and in informal lay-bys,” the National Trust explains. “This parking effectively reduces the B6341 to a single lane, creating significant safety risks for pedestrians, other road users and emergency vehicles. The property has previously requested double yellow lines and for these lay-bys to be blocked to resolve this issue.”
It highlights parking issues during its recent Christmas programme when capacity had been reached.
“On those days visitors parked on verges along this stretch of road with little or no understanding of the area, speed limits or safety risks. Even after speaking to individuals they were not deterred, as there is currently no enforcement or deterrent in place.”
A report by council officers delegating approval states: “A 40mph speed limit is considered appropriate on this section of the B6341 because: Cragside is accessed directly from the road, attracting significant vehicle numbers; the road layout includes many bends and accesses; there are several residential properties; there is a narrow single lane bridge with a priority system.”
It also noted the move is supported by the local community, including by Rothbury Parish Council.