THE speed limit for motorists in Loftus will be reduced to 20mph after more than 98% of people responding to a public consultation agreed with the idea.
There will also be a significant reduction in the number of speed cushions that were proposed, along with more signage and a review of digital speed warning signs.
More chargers and parking bays for Electric Vehicles (EVs) are also planned.
The public consultation on traffic management took place in August with 48 people responding.
It is expected the speed limit will be reduced from 30mph to 20mph in the new year.
A substantial number of people wanted more speed cameras which the Council is not able to supply however, it is hoped that the police mobile camera unit will be deployed more often in the town.
Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Cliff Foggo, said: “What came through loud and clear in the consultation is that safety on the roads must always remain the absolute priority. Even among those who objected to new suggestions most agreed with lowering the speed limit and that will happen shortly. Reviewing the roads never stops and we will continue to do what is necessary to make them as safe as possible while continuing to work closely with communities.”
Funding to improve EV use in Loftus by providing more chargers has been granted by the Government as an area of high street parking with relatively low access to driveways and garages where charging may be easier.
More Tees Valley Combined Authority-funded EV chargers will be installed in the North Road car park and 12 larger designed dual use bays have been created for Electric/Hybrid vehicles. This will lead to six fewer parking bays in that car park overall – but plans are in place to create over 50 more parking spaces in the town in addition to new 30-bay Handale Car Park that was recently completed. There will also be 10 new spaces within the Market Place, with works commencing Autumn this year.