Latest news with #councilspokesperson
BBC News
3 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
County Durham weather stations destroyed in speed camera mix-up
Three weather monitoring stations have been destroyed by vandals believed to have mistaken them for speed County Council said the monitors in Bradbury, Toronto and Tow Law had all been "deliberately damaged" over the last couple of said the cameras played a "vital role" in keeping roads safe during the winter as they helped the local authority decide when gritting crews should be deployed."The cameras are not used to monitor the speed of vehicles or for any other law enforcement purposes," a council spokesperson said. "They take precise readings of road and air temperatures, so we can determine the best time to send out our gritting crews."This helps to ensure the gritting process is as effective as possible in keeping roads clear of snow and ice."The council shared an image of one of the monitoring stations, which had toppled over a wall and into a field containing sheep. The pole of the station had been sawed in half. Temporary signs are displayed on the monitors, which explain they are weather stations, but the council is now arranging for permanent signs to be installed."We have nine weather stations across the county, and it's important they remain operational to provide accurate weather data for everyone's safety and convenience," the spokesperson who sees weather stations being damaged has been asked to contact the council. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Farnham road closes as improvement works continue
The next stage of major improvement works in a Surrey town centre has begun. Downing Street in Farnham is now temporarily part-pedestrianised and closed to through-traffic north of Lower Church Lane. Workers will be installing new crossing points, loading bays, greening, seating and cycle stands, Surrey County Council said. But one local resident described the traffic disruption in the town as "appalling". Farnham's town centre improvements began in February and include pavement widening, new green public spaces and more pedestrian-controlled crossings with two-way traffic introduced in parts of Downing Street and The this year, a council spokesperson said the aim was to "create a modern town centre which celebrates its history, reduces congestion and improves air quality".The full regeneration project is expected to be completed within two years. The partially-closed road is expected to reopen to motorists in November. Safety concerns Chris and Kate Shepheard live in Farnham and told BBC Surrey that while they can see the improvements, there was "an awful lot of upheaval"."We're very worried about this next stage here because it'll be closed for so long," said Mr Shepheard added: "It's looking very positive and if you do bring the car in, it does work."The only issue is the pedestrians at the crossings - it's rather a long time [to wait] and people are getting impatient and crossing in traffic which is quite dangerous and I'm worried someone will get knocked over."Another local resident said: "Most people I know no longer drive in because the traffic is so appalling and you don't necessarily understand the logistics of which traffic is supposed to be going where. "Everyone I know has either abandoned going into Farnham or they're walking and I certainly don't think the signage is very clear."The council has been contacted for comment.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Consultation launched on Rochester High Street traffic scheme
A consultation has opened into proposed changes to vehicles accessing Rochester High Council said the consultation proposed an extension to the existing no vehicle restriction, which is currently in place every Saturday, to include Sundays and bank holidays between 10:00 BST and 16:00.A council spokesperson said it aimed to increase the appeal of visiting Rochester and improve safety in the high proposals include the introduction of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at Blue Boar Lane, Crow Lane and Boley Hill. It is hoped the cameras will prevent unauthorised vehicles entering the high street, the council for emergency services and permitted vehicles would also be council said that chains in place would be removed and the camera at Boley Hill would enforce the existing no left or right turn proposals put forward be approved, a six-month warning period would be put in place and first time offenders would receive a warning rather than a financial Alex Paterson, portfolio holder for community safety, highways and enforcement, said: "By proposing to extend the well established no vehicle restriction, we are looking to put pedestrians first along the high street whilst people are out and enjoying themselves across the weekend."The consultation closes on 21 September.
