New speed sign is to be installed on a busy main road through a Stockton rural village

A new speed sign is to be installed on a busy main road through a Stockton rural village after concerns were raised by local residents.

Stockton Council has agreed to install the electronic speed sign - which will warn drivers if they are exceeding the 30mph speed limit - on Seamer Road through Hilton village.

The move comes after council officers attended a meeting of Hilton Parish Council last week to listen to residents’ concerns.

The council’s surveys have revealed that 44 HGVs drive through the village on some days.

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “We are aware of this issue and have carried out some surveys to get a full understanding of it.

“We already have a similar sign facing westbound traffic, which has helped to reduce speeds since it was installed in 2009. We are hopeful that this new sign will have a similar effect on eastbound speeds.”

He said a technical assessment and any necessary physical works will be carried out ahead of its installation, which will be by the end of October at the latest.

“We have also highlighted the issue with the police so they can consider carrying out additional enforcement in the area,” he added.

“In addition to excessive vehicle speeds, residents have also expressed concerns about the high number of heavy good lorries passing through the village each day.

“Our surveys have shown that up to 44 such vehicles are going through the village on some days and while this is not unlawful we do understand that it is a worry to local people, who are also being disturbed by noisy lorries passing in the early hours.

“We have agreed to contact the companies who use this route most to appeal to them to consider using alternative routes.”