The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Calls for traffic lights at busy roundabout
A PETITION is calling for part-time traffic lights to be installed on a busy roundabout in Northumberland.
Traffic on all approaches to the North Seaton roundabout on the A189 often grinds to a halt during busy spells due to the sheer volume of vehicles using the roads. There are particularly bad queues when travelling from Newbiggin, Ashington and the Ashwood business park.
As a result, a petition has been put forward by Northumberland county councillor Liz Simpson and the chairman of Newbiggin Traders Association, Enid Wilson. It suggests installing traffic lights on the roundabout which would operate between 7.30am and 9.30am and then again from 4pm until 6pm.
Coun Simpson, who is the deputy leader of Northumberland Labour and the ward councillor for the Newbiggin Central and East division, described the roundabout as “dreadful”.
She said: “We want to make it more accessible for people going onto the roundabout. Traffic lights would make sure everybody has a turn. Coming from Newbiggin is particularly bad, the traffic at the roundabout is dreadful. We only want the traffic lights on for about two hours morning and night at peak traffic time.
“I’m concerned because there are plans to build more than 100 homes at Spital in Newbiggin and Park Dean want to extend the caravan site, which will bring more traffic and put more pressure on the roundabout. There have been a lot of minor bumps and a few big accidents there, we just want to make it safer.”
Coun Simpson cited the Moor Farm Roundabout at the other end of the road in Cramlington as an example, arguing it was “great”. She continued: “Everybody gets a turn, whereas at North Seaton they don’t.
“If you’re going from Newbiggin, you just can’t get out. It’s very difficult.”
The petition is currently open on Northumberland County Council’s website. If it is signed by more than 100 residents, the issue will be debated by councillors on the local area committee or the petitions committee.
If it is decided to move forward, officers will then likely need to conduct traffic surveys to examine the extent of the issue before carrying out further feasibility work if necessary.