MP urges action on speeding at bypass

AN MP has called for speed cameras to be installed at an accident hotspot where 100 motorists are caught speeding past at 90mph every day.

Simon Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, requested data from Cleveland Police, which showed “serious excess speeding did occur on a regular basis” on the A171 Guisborough Bypass.

The police figures revealed that, over a six-day period in July 2019, there was an average daily figure of 211 vehicles travelling at 80mph or more, 63 at 90mph or more, 23 at 100mph or more and 10 travelling at 110mph or more.

The data also showed that the top daily speeds throughout the six days were regularly twice the national speed limit, with speeds recorded at 141mph, 144mph, 131mph, 124mph, 139mph and 141mph.

Mr Clarke met Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner

Steve Turner at the A171 Guisborough Bypass recently and spoke with experts from Redcar and Cleveland Council and the Highways Agency to examine potential measures to deter speeding motorists putting lives at risk every day.

One of the possible solutions discussed was the use of speed cameras – a move that would require £250,000 investment over a five-year period.

Councillor Julie Craig, who holds Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Highways Portfolio, agreed to go away and look at available options – including the authority’s recent bid to the levelling up fund.

Mr Clarke said: “Speeding on the Guisborough Bypass is a major issue of concern for lots of people in the town.

“We need an intervention to try and get this road under better control to make it safer for people.”