Drivers warned on Killingworth Road

The council has received reports of drivers flouting the one-way system since the A189 in South Gosforth partially re-opened on Monday (20 May).

Due to ongoing construction work, only pedestrians, cyclists and southbound traffic are allowed on the road. Diversions remain in place for northbound traffic.

Cllr Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality said: “I’m alarmed at the reports of drivers deliberately driving through signage to drive up what is quite clearly a narrow one-way system with construction teams working alongside.

“This is incredibly dangerous and reckless action which puts our staff, pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists at risk, especially as construction is ongoing and space for traffic is tightly confined.

“We are working closely with Northumbria Police to take enforcement action with CCTV and police patrols in the area.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “There is clear signage in the area informing drivers of the one-way system and if drivers do ignore it then it could result in a serious collision.

“We will take action against anyone who drives in a dangerous manner, as we would on any of our region’s roads, as our priority will always be the safety of road users.”

Killingworth Road closed in July 2017 as part of a £13.5m package of improvements to widen a well-known pinch point on the network.

The programme of works included the installation of a new wider Metro bridge, diversion of major gas pipes which severely delayed the project, as well as the widening of the road to install a bus lane and improved facilities for those on foot and bikes.

Due to the extended closure of Killingworth Road, the council committed to a phased opening of the road to get traffic back on the road as soon as it was safe and practical to do so.

As construction is ongoing, initially only southbound traffic is allowed, with two-way traffic planned for the summer until the project completes in early 2020.