The Highways Committee met to discuss proposed traffic calming measures and parking restrictions in several areas. Councillors endorsed proposals for traffic calming in Kelloe and new parking restrictions in Blackhall, Blackhill and Shotley Bridge, Chester-le-Street and Birtley, and Coxhoe, all of which will now proceed for a final decision by the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment. The committee also approved a Definitive Map Modification Order related to public footpaths near Esh.

Traffic Regulation Amendment Orders

The committee reviewed several proposed Traffic Regulation Amendment Orders (TROs) for parking and waiting restrictions in various locations, all of which were endorsed. TROs allow the council, as highway authority, to manage traffic, reduce congestion and improve road safety¹.

Blackhall

The committee endorsed a proposal to introduce 'no waiting at any time' restrictions on Shaftesbury Road in Blackhall. The proposal aims to address concerns raised by the County Council's Waste Transfer team regarding difficulties accessing residential areas due to obstructive parking. One resident objected, arguing that the restrictions would remove over 70 metres of potential parking to solve a problem that happens at most once a week, and questioned how the restrictions would be policed. In response, council officers stated that the restrictions were needed to enforce rule 243 of the Highway Code, which prohibits parking within 10 metres of a junction, and that Civil Enforcement Officers would issue Penalty Charge Notices for violations.

Blackhill and Shotley Bridge

The committee endorsed a proposal to amend the Blackhill and Shotley Bridge (Parking and Waiting Restrictions) Traffic Regulation Order 2020, despite objections. The changes include introducing 'no waiting at any time' restrictions at the following locations:

• A691 (Durham Road) / Moorlands
• Hope Street / Durham Road
• Snows Green Road (B6310)
• St Mary's Street / Derwent Road

These restrictions aim to address concerns raised by residents and Durham Constabulary regarding obstructive parking, limited visibility, and accessibility issues.

Chester-le-Street and Birtley

The committee endorsed proposals to introduce the 'County Council of Durham (Chester-le-Street and Birtley) (Parking & Waiting Restrictions) Consolidation No. 3 Order 2015 (Amendment No. 1) Order 2025', despite objections. The changes include introducing 'no waiting at any time' restrictions on Lancaster Terrace and 'permit holder only' restrictions on Lumley Terrace. These measures aim to address obstructive parking and improve access for residents, while also managing parking capacity and encouraging sustainable travel alternatives.

Coxhoe

The committee endorsed a proposal to introduce the Coxhoe (Parking and Waiting Restrictions) Traffic Regulation Amendment Order 2025, despite objections. The changes include introducing 'no waiting at any time' restrictions at the following locations:

• The Avenue
• A177/Cornforth Lane

These restrictions aim to prevent obstructive parking, improve road safety, and enhance traffic flow in these areas.

Woodland Crescent, Kelloe Proposed Traffic Calming

The committee endorsed a proposal to introduce traffic calming features in the form of speed cushions and humps within the Woodland Crescent estate in Kelloe. The proposal originated from concerns raised by former Councillor Maura McKeon and residents regarding speeding within the estate. The scheme will introduce 11 pairs of speed cushions and 12 speed humps, along with associated signage. One resident and the parish council objected to the proposal. The resident questioned the need for speed bumps and raised concerns about potential drawbacks such as emergency vehicle delays and increased noise pollution. The parish council expressed unhappiness with the current plan, stating that they only wanted speed cushions on the bus route part of Woodland Crescent and desired speed cushions on the main road through the village as well.

Esh, Flass Hagg House - Definitive Map Modification Application

The committee approved a Definitive Map Modification Order to change the status of Public Footpath 41 to a Bridleway and Public Footpaths 42 and 47 to Restricted Byways near Flass Hagg House in Esh. Dagmar Richardson, Definitive Map Officer, presented historical evidence based on the 1762 Enclosure Act and 1763 Enclosure Award, which indicated that the paths should be recorded as Bridleway and Restricted Byways. Mrs Hankey, speaking against the application, argued that the historical evidence was false and that the application mapping evidence was of a different route. Neil Carter, Lawyer (Planning and Highways), clarified that the application satisfied the requirements of a valid application and could be determined by the committee. The committee resolved to make the Definitive Map Modification Order under the provisions of section 53(3)(c)(ii) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.