A Northumberland County Councillor is tackling road safety concerns during April 2024 in Prudhoe by raising awareness for road users of issues within his ward.

County Cllr Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, is hoping to make a difference this month for resident's safety as he tackles incidents of speeding or 'inappropriate' driving, which he said are being made 'every month'.

He said:" The roads are busier than ever with an increase in the population and the number of complaints have gone through the roof since the pandemic time, many people work from home, bring their company vehicles and park near their houses, most people do not have space on their property to park vehicles, which creates disputes between neighbours.

"Another regular complaint is about shoppers parking directly outside shops on front street to collect something and obstructing the road or footpath when there is ample free parking spaces very close by.

"Even in modern estates there is a shortage of places to park, I am hoping to manage people's expectations of what can be done to improve the situation, but the powers of the Council are small and the Police or social landlords / developers may be better placed to tackle such matters'

"It is only the driver of a vehicle who can control the vehicles speed or determine how it is driven.

"A large part of Prudhoe now has a 20mph limit,with speed bumps and chicannes, like all limits this is the maximum that a vehicle should be travel, at times it should be far less due to local conditions, I have asked NCC to look at replenishing worn out signage.

"I will be working with the Police and partners during this month to highlight the issues raised to hopefully reduce them in the future, even if a small number of drivers change their behaviour such as reducing their vehicles speed, I would class that as a major success."