Newton Lane- 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 Newton Lane near 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

Newton Lane consultation drawing [pdf document]

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

• A refurbishment of the existing 20mph zone on Newton Lane north of its junction with Berwick Road which will cover the entrances to the school.
• Installation of appropriate 20mph and 30mph signs and markings at zone entry points.
• The removal of two sets of existing speed cushions.
• The installation of two bus friendly speed tables (see the attached pdf for details) and access paths to them within the zone, to help further in the reduction of vehicle speed
• The hardening of verges at key locations to allow resident parking.

We have taken care to ensure that driveways are not obstructed and that the features are placed 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 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 using the details on this page.

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