Residents of Lobley Hill, Festival Park and the top of Dunston Hill in Gateshead are unhappy with traffic changes on Lobley Hill Bank, according to a survey carried out by local Liberal Democrats.
In 2009, Gateshead Council brought in a series of changes on Lobley Hill Bank including traffic lights at the bottom, changes to access from side roads and a longer bus lane.
But residents very quickly contacted local Lib Dem campaigners about growing problems they had, especially driving onto the road from Beechwood Gardens, Oakfield Rd and Whickham Highway.
“We carried out the survey to find out how people were coping with the changes,” said Michael Ruddy from the Liberal Democrats’ Lobley Hill Focus Team.
“We found the overwhelming view of respondents was that they had been inadequately informed of the changes, the changes had made traffic conditions worse, and they did not support the changes.
“Many people commented that they felt the changes had made travel more dangerous and increased the risk of accidents.
“Even amongst those travelling mainly by public transport two thirds of people were strongly opposed to the changes.”
Lib Dem Councillor Frank Hindle is asking the Council’s traffic engineers what analysis they made of the effect of the changes, and what actions they are proposing to take to reduce the congestion and inconvenience that has been created.
Photo: Michael Ruddy and Frank Hindle on Lobley Hill Bank
1 comment:
"...especially driving onto the road from Beechwood Gardens..."
"...the changes had made traffic conditions worse..."
"...the changes had made travel more dangerous and increased the risk of accidents.."
"Even amongst those travelling mainly by public transport two thirds of people were strongly opposed to the changes."
What about the views of pedestrians? It seems fairly obvious that if a traffic system is modified to provide greater safety to pedestrians attempting to cross a road, without reducing the number of passing vehicles, drivers will complain about congestion. To state that residents are unhappy with changes is meaningless in this context if the majority of them are drivers. I don't know for sure but I imagine the pedestrians, particularly parents pushing their children around in buggies, are quite happy with the changes, give or take an exhaust fume or two.
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