Speed camera plan goes ahead on South Shields road

A mobile speed camera has started monitoring motorists at spots along the 40mph A183 Coast Road.

The move follows safety concerns made to police and council officials.

Drivers are being warned that the cameras will be operating on a full legal footing after South Tyneside Council roads teams installed regulatory signage between South Shields and Whitburn.

Police today said the camera would be operational at various times and locations to catch drivers prepared to put their foot to the floor.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “The mobile enforcement camera van has not yet been deployed but could be at any time.

This action has been taken in response to concerns raised about the speed of some cars on the road.”

The traffic enforcement action comes almost three months after police and council chiefs agreed that the two-mile stretch of road was suitable for closer speed scrutiny.

The road has witnessed several incidents in recent years - including two serious accidents in August.

In the first, police launched an appeal for witnesses after a motorcyclist was airlifted to hospital after colliding with a van.

The rider suffered what police described as serious but not life-threatening injuries in the collision.

In the second, earlier this month, a motorcyclist and pillion passenger were left in a critical condition after smash with a car near the Marsden Grotto.

The man and woman, who were trapped under the car, were airlifted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, with both suffering life-threatening injuries.

Police say neither incident is related to the decision to deploy the mobile camera.

The decision was made on July 4.

A South Tyneside Council spokesman said: “We have been working with Northumbria Police to address concerns about speeding on the Coast Road.

“Signage has been put in place along this stretch to support the police in carrying out routine speed enforcement activity.”