Durham County Council
Local Authority / Fire Service
Action Taken
Durham County Council trimmed overgrown vegetation impacting street lighting, refreshed road markings, and realigned speed limit signage in the vicinity of the accident. The council will continue to assess the highway condition as part of scheduled safety inspections. (AI summary)
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Dear Mr Hamilton
Fatal Road Traffic Accident Saturday 12th August 2023 at 01:00hours - A689, Howden-le-Wear.
I write regarding the attached correspondence dated 29th July 2024 regarding the unfortunate fatal accident which took place on the A689 near Howden le Wear on the 12th August 2023.
As a result of the accident investigation three observations/recommendations were raised by the investigation officers which have also been highlighted in your report. I can confirm following receipt of the fatal accident report council officers took the following actions:
• Street Lighting columns 333 and 334 – All overgrown vegetation impacting on the illumination of the highway at these 2 locations was trimmed back:
• Road Markings – All road markings in the vicinity of the accident have been refreshed: and
• Speed limit signage – The sign has been realigned and any vegetation in the vicinity of the sign which could be considered obscuring the view of the sign have been cut back.
I can confirm we continue to assess the condition of the highway as part of our scheduled safety inspections as identified in the councils Highway Safety Inspection Manual which is aligned to the National Code of Practice for Well Maintained Highway Infrastructure and any issues meeting the investigatory level will be identified for remedial action.
I trust the above is acceptable, but should you wish to discuss this matter in greater detail please do not hesitate to contact Paul Anderson, Strategic Highways Manager , by email at
Fatal Road Traffic Accident Saturday 12th August 2023 at 01:00hours - A689, Howden-le-Wear.
I write regarding the attached correspondence dated 29th July 2024 regarding the unfortunate fatal accident which took place on the A689 near Howden le Wear on the 12th August 2023.
As a result of the accident investigation three observations/recommendations were raised by the investigation officers which have also been highlighted in your report. I can confirm following receipt of the fatal accident report council officers took the following actions:
• Street Lighting columns 333 and 334 – All overgrown vegetation impacting on the illumination of the highway at these 2 locations was trimmed back:
• Road Markings – All road markings in the vicinity of the accident have been refreshed: and
• Speed limit signage – The sign has been realigned and any vegetation in the vicinity of the sign which could be considered obscuring the view of the sign have been cut back.
I can confirm we continue to assess the condition of the highway as part of our scheduled safety inspections as identified in the councils Highway Safety Inspection Manual which is aligned to the National Code of Practice for Well Maintained Highway Infrastructure and any issues meeting the investigatory level will be identified for remedial action.
I trust the above is acceptable, but should you wish to discuss this matter in greater detail please do not hesitate to contact Paul Anderson, Strategic Highways Manager , by email at