Thousands sign petition demanding controversial one-way system scrapped is NO WAY
MORE than 6,000 people have signed a petition for North Tyneside Council to scrap the recently-introduced one-way system.
A contentious decision to close off Park View in Whitley Bay to traffic, which was also brought in as part of a scheme to increasesocial distancing at the coast, is set to be reviewed this week after criticism from local people.
The southbound carriageway of the road along the coast between Whitley Bay and Tynemouth has become a two-way cycle route to allow the promenade to be used solely by people walking.
So far 6,290 people have signed a change.org petition urging the council to scrap the changes.
However, cyclist David Anderson described the new layout as “wonderful.”
He said: “I have just been on a bicycle ride along the sea front to check the new road layout.
“It was the most wonderful experience.
“I saw lots of people walking, running, cycling, ebiking and cars gently travelling along calmly. All ages. Individuals, family groups
“No one was stressed. Far from it, everyone looked happy.
“So if the intent was to promote mixed modal transportation and exercise this initiative has succeeded hands down.
“There can be nobody who can argue with this at all. Unless they are insistent on being problematic.
“Then I went out into the ‘new normal’ of the roads which surround this calm environment. It was just hell. As before, but a lot worse.
“I have never been close passed by so many cars, nor have I witnessed so many cars on all roads all the time. I cannot believe that all of these journeys were necessary.”
Others have backed the scheme , saying it is needed to keep people
safe during the coronavirus crisis. Whitley Bay resident Isabel Clough backed closing Park View to traffic for that reason.
She said: “This will take some time for people to adjust. It cannot possibly be expected to work within a couple of days.
“Imagine making all the pedestrianised streets in Newcastle open to cars - shoppers and shop owners would likely be highly resistant to the idea.
“In the age of coronavirus we all have a responsibility to make any shopping experience safer for those around us. It is irresponsible to think otherwise.
“Before pedestrianisation it was impossible, if walking down Park View, to keep a two-metre distance from those queuing outside shops without going into the road.
“This is clearly unsafe and unfair for those with mobility issues and/ or with pushchairs.
“Of course, there will be accessibility issues for some people and that is something which clearly needs to be worked out, but to think pedestrianising the street reduces access is a nonsense. There is actually a lot of parking in Whitley Bay. “People will simply need to make a short walk from their car to Park View. Or they can cycle. “People manage it just fine in Newcastle city centre.”
This was echoed by Simon Philpott who said: “Turning the street into a pedestrian zone offers a range of small businesses the opportunity to creatively engage customers and clients.
“As previously configured, it was very difficult to shop in support of local businesses given the narrow pavements, necessary queueing and consequent inability to keep safe distances from others.
“Now business-owners can spread to the outdoors where we know from scientific evidence contracting the virus is far less likely.” He added: “Arguments about a lack of parking are inaccurate. “Whitley Bay is well catered for parking with a major facility at the Park View shopping centre, parking around the Spanish City, individual bays on streets surrounding the core shopping area. The real issue is people’s reluctance to walk any distance.
“Now, where mobility is a problem, the council must consider options to improve access.
“That, in short order, can be dealt with once the new patterns of traffic flow are monitored and understood and those needing more ready access are consulted.”
North Tyneside Council previously said the measures are needed to keep residents safe.
John Sparkes, head of regeneration and economic development, said: “These measures are aimed at ensuring residents can travel around the borough safely and feel safe when visiting town centres, shopping centres and busy streets, which in turn will support the safe reopening of businesses.
“We are encouraging feedback from the public as these will be considered as part of an ongoing review to identify where any adjustments should be made.
“The measures will only remain in place for as long as they are necessary and can be amended in response to feedback.
“We realise there is a balance to be struck but the safety of the public and adhering to the clear social distancing rules in line with Government guidance to prevent the spread of the virus has to be our priority.”
I have just been on a bicycle ride along the sea front to check the new road layout. It was wonderful.
David Anderson