Whitby Way - Safer Routes to School Scheme

We need your views

Darlington Council is committed to giving residents a bigger say in how local services are planned and delivered. We therefore welcome your views on the proposed changes to the highway at Whitby Way near the entrances to Mount Pleasant Primary School.

Darlington’s Transport Strategy

Darlington’s Local Transport Plan seeks to tackle traffic congestion, improve accessibility and maintain its good record in travel safety through a programme of physical improvements to the highway. This includes a safer and more convenient highway network around schools delivered through School 20mph and Speed Management Schemes. All schemes are supported by a programme of education, information and publicity to inform residents of the travel choices available to them and their impact on the environment.

What we are proposing (please see attached drawing)

Whitby Way consultation drawing [pdf document]

We are proposing to create a speed reduction zone on Whitby Way near Mount Pleasant Primary School. The scheme will include:

A new 20mph zone on Whitby Way north of its junction with Branksome Hall Drive to number 95 Whitby Way.
Installation of appropriate 20mph and 30mph signs and markings at zone entry points.
The installation of three bus friendly speed tables and access paths to them within the zone (see the pdf plan) to help further in the reduction of vehicle speed.
Installation of guard railing at appropriate points.
The creation of a footpath across a grassed area linking Whitby Way to Branksome Hall Drive and the planting of trees in this area. This is to formalise an existing desire line that has been formed and improve access for pedestrians.

We have taken care to ensure that driveways are not obstructed and that the features are place in the best locations to have a traffic calming effect.

Why are these measures necessary?

The Council is committed to providing a safer highway network around schools to reduce the risk of road traffic collisions. We believe that these proposed measures will increase the safety of school children and residents in this area, and also encourage more people to walk and cycle.

What do you need to do?

Please take the time to consider our proposals as indicated on the attached plan and then complete the short questionnaire. The questionnaire has a space for views and comments which will be considered as part of the consultation process and may help to influence the final scheme.

If you wish to ask specific questions, then you can contact the scheme designer.

Following this consultation, we will progress with the implementation of the scheme. You will be given the opportunity to object formally to the final scheme proposals.

How do you find out more and get involved?

This information pack provides information on our initial ideas and a questionnaire is attached to give you the opportunity to make comment on the proposals. However, if there is something you think we have missed or you would like us to consider, please let us know this too.