Toft Hill road and pedestrian improvement works

Have your say on proposed road and pedestrian improvements

We want your views on a series of proposed road, pedestrian and public transport improvements in and around Toft Hill.

These proposals have been developed in response to feedback received from residents, schools, road users businesses and stakeholders about road safety, pedestrian access, parking and traffic issues in the area during previous consultations.

The proposed improvements aim to:

improve road safety for drivers and pedestrians
improve accessibility for people walking, wheeling and using public transport
address parking issues affecting visibility and pedestrian access
improve the appearance and usability of local transport infrastructure
encourage safer travel around the village

What you told us

Previous consultation and stakeholder feedback highlighted a number of concerns including:

poor visibility for drivers at the Southfield Drive junction with the A68
concerns about pedestrians crossing outside Toft Hill Primary School
parked vehicles restricting pedestrian access
vehicle activated signs that are no longer working
bus shelters that are worn and lack seating
worn road markings
street furniture (bollards, seating etc.) obstructing pedestrian routes

Proposed improvements

The map shows the three places planned for improvements; the junction of the A68 and Southfield Drive, a proposed pedestrian crossing outside Toft Hill primary school on the A68 and a formalised parking strip on South Road just south of the Three Tuns public house. There is also a list of general improvements: vehicle activated signs, bus shelter improvements, renew all road markings, protect pedestrian space by relocating street furniture.

Proposal 1: Southfield Drive junction with A68

Issue identified: Poor visibility for residents exiting Southfield Drive onto the A68.

Proposed solution:

widen the footpath on the A68
protect the footpath from parked vehicles
remove approximately 2 or 3 parking spaces in the lay-by to improve visibility for motorists leaving Southfield Drive

Proposal 2: crossing outside Toft Hill Primary School

Issue identified: Concerns about pedestrian safety when crossing outside the school.

Proposed solution:

install a push button signal-controlled puffin crossing
replace road markings to restrict parking near the crossing

Proposal 3: formalised parking area near the Three Tuns pub

Issue identified: Parked vehicles restricting pedestrian access.

Proposed solution:

create formal parking lay-bys to better protect the pedestrian area
improve parking arrangements using contrasting surface materials
adjust kerbs to allow vehicle access
retain the existing bus stop and private property accesses

General road improvements

Additional proposals:

replace vehicle-activated speed signs that are no longer working and consider additional locations
replace bus shelters with improved facilities including seating and timetable information
renew road markings throughout Toft Hill
relocate street furniture to improve pedestrian space and accessibility

For more information visit Toft Hill road and pedestrian improvement work - Durham County Council

This consultation will close on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 5.00pm.

For more information contact TransportProjects@durham.gov.uk

To have this in a different format contact letstalkcountydurham@durham.gov.uk.

Phases

Phases overview

Phase 1: Give us your views

Give us your views

10 August 2026 08:00 - 8 September 2026 16:00

Your feedback will help us understand local views on the proposed highway and pedestrian improvements for Toft Hill and will be considered before any final decisions are made.

To take part:

Complete an online survey.
Complete and return the paper survey you received in the post in the pre-paid envelope.

If you need the information in a different format, or need help to take part, email letstalkcountydurham@durham.gov.uk