Farmer Calls for Immediate Safety Measures on “Very Dangerous” A66 Stretch

A County Durham farmer living alongside a busy section of the A66 has urged authorities to introduce speed limits and enforcement cameras, warning that “a little money” could help prevent further fatal collisions.

Peter Moss, who runs Ewebank Farm near Greta Bridge, said accidents on the single-carriageway stretch have become increasingly frequent and severe. The parish councillor, who represents Rokeby, Brignall and Egglestone Abbey, described the situation as deteriorating.

“It’s terrible and it’s got worse,” he said, pointing to three recent fatal incidents, including one earlier this month.

Mr Moss is part of a local campaign calling for interim safety measures — including reduced speed limits and average-speed cameras — while the long-planned dualling of the A66 is still under consideration.

“That can be mitigated by cameras,” he said. “For a little money, it could be altered quite easily.”

High Traffic, Limited Capacity

The A66 runs between Penrith and Scotch Corner and serves as a key cross-country freight and commuter route. Parts of the road in County Durham remain single carriageway, with national speed limits of 60mph for cars and 50mph for heavy goods vehicles.

According to Department for Transport figures, the route carries more than twice the national average volume of HGV traffic for a road of its type — adding pressure to a carriageway that already has limited overtaking opportunities.

Mr Moss said accessing the road from his farm has become increasingly hazardous.

“It’s just about impossible now to get tractors directly out on to the A66,” he said, adding that some motorists appear to ignore speed limits.

Local residents argue that enforcement measures could help reduce dangerous overtaking and excessive speeds, particularly given the road’s freight-heavy usage.

Dualling Plans Still Await Timeline

Plans to fully dual the A66 were approved again last year after previously being paused by the government. However, a confirmed construction timetable has yet to be announced.

Until widening works begin, campaigners believe interim safety interventions are essential.

“Until they do that, they need to do a bit of work to try and make it safer,” Mr Moss said.

National Highways said safety remains its priority and that it continuously reviews road conditions to determine whether additional measures are required.

A spokesperson said improvement plans include a new grade-separated junction linking local roads to the A66, a new bridge at Cross Lanes junction and upgrades to the existing B6277 junction.

“We are working closely with the government to develop the A66 project and the timeline for construction,” the spokesperson said.

For residents living along the route, however, the concern is not just about long-term infrastructure upgrades — but about immediate steps that could reduce risk while larger works remain in planning.