Consultation on traffic changes in Jesmond to be extended

The consultation on measures that were put in place as part of the neighbourhood low traffic zone was due to end this weekend but will now be extended for another month.

Local residents and businesses wishing to comment on the proposals now have until Sunday 15 October to take part.

Cllr Jane Byrne, cabinet member for a connected, clean city at Newcastle City Council, said: “We want to make sure everyone who wishes to comment on the scheme has had a fair opportunity to do so.

“There’s already been a great deal of feedback, which we welcome, and a significant number of requests for information, which we are continuing to respond to.

“We have recently requested further details and evidence from the local community about the impacts of the trial, so we’re allowing additional time for people to provide this.

“Extending the consultation for a further month will also mean we can take into account feedback about people’s experiences at the start of the new academic year, when traffic patterns can be different.

“The information, data and evidence that we collect as part of the consultation will help to inform decision-making on the long-term future of the scheme.”

A number of residential streets have been closed to through traffic between Osborne Road and Cradlewell as part of the council’s safer, cleaner and greener neighbourhood programme.

The changes, which have been introduced on a trial basis, are aimed at preventing traffic from cutting through local streets by re-routing them onto more appropriate routes.

As part of the Jesmond East neighbourhood low traffic zone, closures were placed on Manor House Road and its junctions with Osborne Avenue, Shortridge Terrace, Buston Terrace, Cavendish Terrace and at the entrance to Manor House Road Back Lane and the junction of Manor House Road (opposite the back lane of Queens Road and Fern Avenue) which were in place on 6 March. Due to displacement of traffic as people sought to avoid the closures, additional measures were installed on Jesmond Dene Road and Akenside Terrace from 31 March.

People can join the online consultation at https://jesmondeasttrialsconsultation.commonplace.is or email the team at neighbourhoods@newcastle.gov.uk or call 0191 278 2767 requesting a call back.

Following the end of the consultation the council will take time to review and consider all feedback before any further decisions are made regarding the future of the scheme.