MOTORISTS reach speeds of up to 70mph on the main road leading into Allendale, councillors have claimed.

The existing 40mph speed limit along Station Road has long concerned residents .

Now, after concluding that an accident is “waiting to happen,” members of Allendale Parish Council are to ask highway chiefs to investigate.

It comes after a Station Road resident attended a parish council meeting earlier this month.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “They reach speeds of 50, 60 and 70. They overtake, and it happens every day in life.

“The 40mph limit would be fine if they stuck to that, so I don’t know if anything can be done to address this.

“Somebody could well be killed. People walk along there with their children, and something needs to be done.”

Coun. Dave Crellin said: “It’s a road which is also used by horses. My advice is to urge anyone who sees anything untoward to tell the police.”

Coun. Jeff Lee said: “It is a minority who do speed, but some of those who do go very, very fast.

“One day somebody is going to get killed on that road unless something changes.

Concerns were also raised about the safety of residents pulling on to Station Road from their properties.

Parish clerk Anne Grieve said: “There is no footpath, and they have to edge out in their cars. I lived there for 10 years.”

Coun. Glynn Galley said: “I don’t think the speed limit makes any difference unless it is policed.”

The meeting heard that a recent speed survey had taken place on Station Road, and local county councillor Colin Horncastle was set to take the concerns raised to highways officials.