Speeding concerns raised after dog killed on Northumberland coastal road

Concerns about late night speeding on Main Street, St Aidan’s, Broad Road and King Street were raised by members of North Sunderland Parish Council.

“Several people have contacted me with concerns about speeding around Seahouses in the evening,” said Cllr Ailsa Shiel. “There have also been racing bikes going down the railway track footpath.”

It was agreed to raise the matter with Northumbria Police.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, local member on Northumberland County Council, said speed surveys had been planned at the three entrances to the village but they had been postponed due to Covid-19.

"Once we get the speed surveys done we can decide what to do,” he said. “A lot of the time speeding is a perception rather than reality but if the data shows people are going too fast we can put speed restrictions in. I will ask what is happening with the speed surveys.”

The issue was discussed after members were told that a dog had recently been killed on the road at St Aidan’s and its owner had called for traffic calming measures or for the speed limit to be lowered from 30mph to 20mph.

Cllr David Donaldson said: “I am very sorry for the sad loss of their dog but it was quite irresponsible behaviour to take two dogs on the beach in the dark and let them off a lead and lose one. They could do their business anywhere and the owner would not be able to see it. Then to accuse the driver of speeding when they did not see the incident is just supposition.”

Cllr Geoffrey Stewart, chairman, said: “It is a fast road and the speed limit should be reduced from 30mph. It was very unfortunate that this happened.”

But Cllr Donaldson responded: “This is the main Northumberland coastal route and this was a dog running out of control. We can’t put more speed restrictions on it.”

Cllr Sylvia Hillan added: “Our dog was knocked over and it’s very upsetting but this isn’t something we can decide. It’s up to highways.”

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