Public inquiry into road change

A public inquiry into the road is being held in Stockton

A public inquiry begins on Tuesday into plans to improve safety at one of the North East's most dangerous road junctions.

The stretch of the A66 at Long Newton has experienced a high number of fatal accidents in recent years.

Residents are meeting council officials in Stockton to discuss safety improvements at the junction.

Proposals have been drawn up to stop right hand turns on the A66 at Long Newton, in a hope of reducing the road's high accident record.

Some people living in the area are opposed to a new link road - which would be built between the villages of Long Newton and Elton as part of the plans.

They think it will turn the area into an accident blackspot, and are calling for an alternative solution.

These include traffic-calming measures through the village, such as reducing speed limits and introducing speed cameras.

The public inquiry is being held at Stockton's Swallow Hotel.