Safety measures scheme to help ‘rat run’ village
DRIVERS ARE CLOGGING STREETS TO AVOID BUSY MAIN ROADS
ROAD safety measures are being introduced at a village where hundreds of drivers are using the streets as a rat run during rush hour.
Families in West Allotment said their children are being put in danger by motorists cutting through Benton Road and Holyfields to get to the Cobalt Business Park.
It is estimated that around 500 to 600 vehicles are going through the village between 8am and 9am every day to avoid queues on the A191, and one morning campaigners counted more than 860 cars.
The constant stream of vehicles is making it difficult for parents to cross the roads as they take their children to school.
And a campaign was launched last year calling on North Tyneside Council to take action.
Now, after meeting with residents, a plan has been put in place to address the issues.
It includes a temporary bus lane on Benton Road between the junctions of Murrayfields and Holyfields - the route used by schoolchildren.
This will operate for a limited period during morning rush hour and residents in Murrayfields will be exempt from enforcement if they use the bus lane in order to help them get out of their estate.
In response to concerns about red light jumping on the nearby Holystone roundabout, the council has reviewed and changed traffic signal times and increased the length of time allowed for pedestrians to cross.
A new pedestrian crossing is being put in along Station Road in Backworth to assist pupils coming from the Moorside estate to Backworth Park Primary School.
Additional pedestrian crossing training is being given to pupils at Holystone Primary School through the council’s GoSmarter initiative.
A school crossing patrol officer has been temporarily introduced along Benton Road to help children go to school safely. The officer, who has been relocated from outside Holystone primary, where a zebra crossing has recently been installed, will remain in the new position until the bus lane is in place.
Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “We
The safety of our residents is one of my top priorities and this is another example of our commitment
have worked hard to understand the problems and listened to the concerns raised by local people. Residents have told us overwhelmingly that they would like a bus lane installed along the road where the inconsiderate ratrunning is happening.
“We have also worked closely with Norma Redfearn the local school to give pupils important training to help them stay safe and I would urge drivers to do their bit and please take care on the roads.
“The safety of our residents is one of my top priorities and this is another example of our commitment to being a listening and caring council which works better for its residents.”
Stephen Baines, headteacher at Holystone Primary, added: “Our school crossing patrol officer Michael Massingham is totally committed to ensuring the safety of the pupils at Holystone and we greatly appreciate his efforts in making our local environment safer for all.”
The school crossing patrol and Go Smarter services are provided by Capita for the council.