Mortimer Road, South Shields - Formal Consultation

Overview

The primary objective of this scheme is to install a formal crossing facility on Mortimer Road and reduce congestion at its junction with Caudwell Avenue at peak times. We have received reports of several near misses from the current school crossing patrol officer. In addition, a serious collision has already occurred at this junction, highlighting the need for a safer crossing facility.

Throughout the informal consultation processes, there has been a number of design concerns raised by residents around parking, redistribution of traffic and vehicle speeds. The main concern raised was that by closing Cauldwell Avenue it would lead to more traffic using smaller residential streets nearby that already have problems at school times. Officers have considered all the feedback and have amended the proposals to alleviate as many of the concerns as possible.

Taking in account the concerns raised by residents, officers believe a safe solution can be achieved by allowing Cauldwell Avenue to remain open to traffic but restricting it to exit-only onto Mortimer Road. This means vehicles could still use Cauldwell Avenue to reach Mortimer Road, but there would be a “No-Entry” restriction preventing vehicles from turning into Cauldwell Avenue from Mortimer Road.

Reviewing resident feedback and current traffic flows, the majority of movements at peak times involve vehicles exiting Cauldwell Avenue onto Mortimer Road. Based on this, it is not anticipated that the scheme will have  a major impact on the surrounding residential streets. This arrangement would maintain the key traffic movements while discouraging through traffic from using smaller residential streets. By making Cauldwell Avenue exit-only onto Mortimer Road, it will prevent this issue while still allowing vehicles to use Cauldwell Avenue for access onto Mortimer Road. This approach balances safety improvements with maintaining traffic flow and reducing the likelihood of congestion at the junction.

Please see the amended proposals below.

Please see below, formal consultation legal notice for No Entry proposal, Puffin crossing, Parking restrictions and Raised table:

Emails or letters of response can be sent via roadsafetyconsultations@southtyneside.gov.uk or to the address below:

Road Safety Team, Highways, Infrastructure and Project Delivery, South Tyneside Council, Town Hall and Civic Offices, Westoe Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 2RL

Why your views matter

We are committed to improving road safety and traffic management on Mortimer Road, and your feedback plays a vital role. We want to ensure that the proposed scheme reflects the needs and concerns of the local community while meeting the project's key objectives. We have included a Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ] to help answer the most common questions we have received through the consultation process so far.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

1. Can the mini-roundabout arrangement stay?

To install a formal crossing facility at the Mortimer Road/ Cauldwell junction, the existing mini-roundabout would need to be removed. Keeping the roundabout in place would mean the crossing would be too close to it, which could lead to further congestion and safety concerns.

2. Can the proposed crossing facility be installed at the current position of the School Crossing Patrol Officer?

Due to existing driveways on the north side of the junction – where the current school crossing patrol operates – we are limited to placing the new crossing on the south side of the junction, between Cauldwell Avenue and the Co-Op access. This location allows for a safe and accessible crossing point while minimising disruption to residents.

3. Can the proposed crossing be installed and the junction of Cauldwell Avenue remain as is?

Keeping the junction open to both flows of traffic would unfortunately lead to right-turn movements from Mortimer Road into Cauldwell Avenue. At peak times, vehicles waiting to turn right could back up, blocking the crossing point and causing further congestion.

4. Can a four-way traffic signal-controlled junction be installed, in place of the mini-roundabout?

A four-way traffic signal-controlled junction to replace the mini-roundabout is not a feasible option due to several constraints. The available footway space is limited, making it difficult to install the necessary signal infrastructure without obstructing pedestrian access. Additionally, existing underground services present challenges for installing signal poles in suitable locations. Furthermore, driveways are positioned close to the junction, restricting where signal poles could be placed without impacting access. These factors mean that a fully signalised junction cannot be safely or practically implemented at this location.

5. Can the proposal look to address traffic speeds on Mortimer Road?

Officers have committed to looking at additional measures to reduce speeds on Mortimer Road. This will be considered as part of a separate scheme.

6. Page Avenue is at risk of increased traffic volumes due to the proposal, what measures would be taken to address this concern?

As access from Cauldwell Avenue to Mortimer Road would still be permitted, we do not anticipate a significant increase in traffic volumes on Page Avenue. However, Officers will closely monitor traffic levels throughout post-installation surveys. If the data shows a noticeable rise in traffic that negatively impacts residents or road safety, further measures will be considered to address the issue.

7. Will the school crossing patrol officer remain if the crossing is installed?

The School Crossing Patrol Officer will remain in place if the proposal goes ahead.