The council placed 35 rumble strips in the area 1997

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has received so many complaints about 35 rumble strips along Redcar's promenade, that it is removing them.

Car drivers, bus operators a taxis have all claimed vehicle damage because of the strips, put down in 1997.

And despite the council agreeing they have reduced accidents, it is set to spend �150,000 on scrapping them.

The council says the 35 strips have reduced the accident rate by 68% and cut speed to an average 18 mph.

But independent consultants have highlighted widespread complaints from local residents, businesses, bus and taxi operators as well as other road users.

Road humps

Modifications were made, but they failed to halt the complaints, including damage to cars, noise, vibration in nearby properties and an increase in traffic on alternative cross town routes.

The council is considering a three-year phased programme, costing �150,000, to replace the strips with alternative traffic calming measures, which will include raised pedestrian areas.

Initial concerns from the town's fishermen had stopped the scheme using traditional traffic calming.

Now the fishermen are going to be consulted again for on-site road hump trials, ensuring they do not cause difficulties with boat clearances.

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Council said: "We all believe something needs to be done and now we are very close to making a decision.

"How can you criticise a scheme that cuts down on accidents and reduces speed?

"That has been our dilemma, but we have listened to the public's concerns and we are quietly confident that the new measures will still maintain the Esplanade's excellent safety record."