They say measures must be put in place to control the "dangerous" A690/ A19 roundabout, which links to Doxford International Business Park. Now residents and councillors are urging Sunderland City Council and the Highways Agency to switch the rush hour-controlled traffic lights on at all times to stop dangerous drivers from racing across the roundabout. One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I watched the traffic going round there and sometimes it was just horrendous, especially when people are getting to work and they just put their foot down to get there. "I've got common sense when I'm driving, but it's survival of the fittest around there. "There's already been quite a few accidents, but one day there will be a serious one. "I've spoken to a number of people round here and they all seem to think the same." Couns Robert Oliver and Michael Dixon, Tories for St Chad's ward, have been approached by several residents who have expressed fears over the busy roundabout. And the two councillors have spoken to the council to see if the traffic lights can be turned on at all times, after dubbing the roundabout an accident blackspot.

Tory councillors Peter Wood and Robert Oliver put forward a motion to get support to extend the Metro to Doxford International, Washington and other parts of the city. At a full meeting of Sunderland Council, Coun Wood said: “Good public transport is essential, especially in urban areas. It is needed to facilitate the movement of people, both work and pleasure-related. “With increasing road traffic congestion, it is becoming more important to provide a realistic alternative.”Coun Oliver said the move was essential to meet the demands of the increasing number of businesses at Doxford International and Rainton Meadow.