Driven to distraction – the North East’s roads to hell
MIKE FULLER ON THE NORTH EAST ROADS AND JUNCTIONS THAT REALLY PUT US UNDER STRESS
STRESS is often a part of the daily drive to work, whether it is caused by other motorists or the road itself.
Navigating a busy city centre like Newcastle and its one-way system can be particularly tough.
We have picked out some of the city’s most annoying roads, from rush-hour traffic to bus lane nightmares - all of these routes can get drivers’ blood boiling. Which one gets your vote? Let us know your suggestion for the most annoying road in the region in the comments below.
THE A167 AT THE TYNE BRIDGE
Travelling between Newcastle and Gateshead, especially at rush hour, can be a bit of a nightmare.
There are two lanes in both directions across the Tyne Bridge, but these can often get clogged up, especially when heading south.
At times, it can feel like it is a better idea to simply just wait until the traffic has cleared.
At least the view could be worse.
SILVERLINK A19/A1058
The project to revamp the Silverlink junction between two major North Tyneside roads started in August 2016.
Since then, regular users of the roads have faced hours of sitting in queues of traffic.
The old roundabout has been dug out to create a three-tiered junction.
This means the Coast Road on top, a junction in the middle and the A19 on the bottom.
Designed to speed up journey times and reduce congestion, hopefully it will be worth it in the end. That moment should arrive in March of next year.
PERCY STREET
If you have never driven down Percy Street in Newcastle before it’s likely you’ll end up with nowhere to go.
The problem is some motorists heading south miss the sign by the mini-roundabout saying only buses, taxis and cyclists are allowed to go ahead.
And for those who do not see it, they reach the traffic lights at the junction with the Gallowgate where they are told they cannot turn right.
Drivers caught out often end up turning right anyway and hoping they do not pick up a fine.
THE A1
An easy choice you might think, but a huge number of us use the A1 every day and know its frustrations.
It feels like there are always roadworks on some stretch of the road.
Steps have been taken to widen the Western Bypass in parts, while sections have also been reduced to 50mph zones.
We will all keep using it anyway because there is not much of an alternative.
JOHN DOBSON STREET
Another Newcastle city centre problem spot, specifically for the number of fines for driving in the bus lane.
A controversial camera on the street was dubbed the “most prolific in Britain”.
Disputes between Newcastle City Council and thousands of drivers followed over the quality of signage.
The Traffic Penalty Tribunal is still deciding on a ruling for the many penalties dished out on the northbound side. The southbound camera is still operational.
FOWLER STREET, SOUTH SHIELDS
Another bus lane frustration is the camera on Fowler Street in South
Shields. Almost 2,000 motorists were caught out in just a threemonth period between April and June 2017.
Drivers complain there is not enough warning ahead of the section restricted to public transport.
A South Tyneside Council spokesman previously said: “The bus lane on Fowler Street is clearly signed and complies with the requisite Department for Transport regulations, as do all the other bus lanes in the borough.
THE A69
Connecting Newcastle to Carlisle, the A69 is a key cross-country route.
Between Newcastle and Hexham it is a dual carriageway and is usually free flowing.
But long stretches of the road further west, which are single carriageway, often require some patience.
You can find yourself stuck behind a slow car or a HGV for what feels like an age.
And it is not always possible for all of the vehicles queuing behind to pass on the few climbing lanes.
But this does not excuse drivers taking on risky overtakes and putting others in danger.
NEVILLE STREET
No major city centre like Newcastle is going to be smooth at rush hour.
However Neville Street, outside Central Station, can often be reduced to a crawl.
The road is used by drivers trying to make it across the city as well as drop-offs and pick-ups from the station.
A bus lane, widened pavements and a new layout were finished in 2016 and there were major complaints over traffic while the work was taking place.