Safer Neighbourhoods Trial Scheme-West Park Road

Overview

South Tyneside Councils Highways Department is consulting on the creation Safer Neighbourhood on West Park Road, South Shields.

Safer Neighbourhoods are schemes that are designed to reduce the volume of motor vehicle traffic in residential streets and create a safer environment for all road users. This is achieved by minimising the amount motor vehicles using the streets to get to another destination. This is normally known as "through traffic" or "rat running".

The volume of motor vehicles is reduced by using the strategic placement of temporary or permanent barriers, including planters or bollards.

In addition to the benefits to road safety, the schemes will:

• increase physical activity through more walking and cycling
• benefit local businesses
• create new public space
• deliver improved air quality

Importantly this scheme does not restrict all cars to the area, simply discourage through traffic. Residents will still have access to the area using alternative routes. 

The initial plan and concept image can be found below for public download and scrutiny. 

Why your views matter

Your views are important as we develop these projects. By letting us know what you, the resident of South Tyneside would like to see, we will be able to make appropriate changes to the scheme to ensure that it has the best chance of becoming an appropriate and worthwhile part of South Tyneside’s Highway Network.

Equally, should this scheme not be favoured then following the consultation, or trial it may not be progressed further. 

What happens next

To ensure any amendments can be incorporated into the proposals, this consultation will end on December 3rd.

It is expected that these schemes will commence during 2024, subject to consultation.

The Scheme is meant to be temporary in nature, lasting approximately six months. Should local residents, through consultation not like the scheme it will be removed at the end of the trial. However, should the scheme prove successful then it can be made permanent.