TYNE BRIDGE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS DEBATED
THE mayoral candidates have put forward ideas to deal with looming traffic problems on the Tyne Bridge.
Drivers have been warned to expect “heavy” traffic on the iconic bridge up until 2028, with capacity cut in half during work to restore the landmark. The run-down bridge, which is used by up to 70,000 vehicles every day, will have to be reduced to one lane in each direction for two years.
At a hustings event at Newcastle University focusing on transport on Tuesday, the six candidates for the mayoral race were asked what they would do to combat the expected disruption. Suggestions including making public transport cheaper and utilising other crossings over the Tyne.
Reform UK’s Paul Donaghy said: “We have got the Tyne Tunnel. Reduce the cost of the tunnel and give people seven days to pay rather than just 24 hours.
“The tunnel flows like a dream and it is quite easy to get through. The Coast Road has also been modernised.”
Similarly, Conservative councillor and candidate Guy Renner Thompson said: “We need to make the Tyne Tunnel cheaper and use the A1 bridge over the river. The work needs to be done.
“I’m delighted that the Government are funding it. You might see a modal shift of people using the bridge.”
Independent candidate and incumbent North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll said: “This should have been fixed a long, long time ago. Getting stuff right now matters.
“The power given to this combined authority will mean this won’t happen again in the future. Make public transport cheaper during that period – it is a disincentive to using cars.”
Green Party candidate Andrew Gray agreed, saying: “Use it as an opportunity to encourage people out of their cars. Find ways to encourage people not to use their cars.”
Labour’s Kim McGuiness said: “This has needed doing for years. I’m really glad it is getting done.
“It is a symbol of the region. Unfortunately we’re just going to have to manage it and work with the local authorities because a lot of the things we want to bring in aren’t going to be in place.
“I don’t think there’s a better answer than that.”
Liberal Democrat candidate Aidan King had left the hustings prior to the question being asked for personal reasons.