Residents in a part of Gateshead have installed their own 'speed camera' in a bid to slow down traffic.
Locals in Rockcliffe Way in the Eighton Banks area decided to take matters into their own hands after becoming concerned about what they say was the increasing level of cars breaking the 20mp speed limit there.
Filmmaker Jonny Lindsay who has lived there for 14 years said: “Eighton Banks is a historic village next to the Bowes Railway line that is used by horse riders, dog walkers and cyclists but is turning into a potential death trap.
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"There hasn't been a crash but we think it's only a matter of time."
He said Gateshead Council has recently resurfaced the road which has, he says, taken it to the height of the speed bumps in the vicinity. Mr Lindsay added that a new 'chicane' has been built on a corner opposite a public bridleway and cars now speed up to get through as quickly as possible.
The DIY camera went up this week and locals said it was too early to say whether it was having any effect or not yet.
However, Mr Lindsay added: “If this camera temporarily slows down cars, lorries and buses and makes the road safer, it can only be a good thing. All we ask is for Gateshead Council to investigate and consider replacing the speed humps to calm the traffic before things get seriously worse”
He revealed that a petition has also been started to get effective speed humps installed on the road.
A Gateshead Council spokesperson said: "It’s good that local residents in Eighton Banks are concerned about road safety, we share their concerns and we will support them where possible to address problems with speeding drivers.
"We have had speed reduction measures in place on Rockcliffe Way for several years. We are aware of an issue with some of the speed cushions and we are looking to programme some remedial work to help reduce speeds.
"We will arrange for a member of our team to inspect this location to examine what more we can do to encourage compliance with the 30mph and 20mph speed limits.”
Putting up a fake or DIY speed camera is not illegal, but such activity is not encouraged, the UK police previously reported.
However, people who have done so in the past have found themselves in danger of civil action from councils if put up on their land.
