Newcastle City Council’s proposals to improve road safety on Jesmond Dene Road have been met with varied opinions from residents.

The initial proposal plans to make a section of the road one-way, as the council noted in a statement that “problems can arise when two cars try to pass each other.” The council have additionally proposed a reduction in speed limit from 40mph to 30mph on part of the road, the implementation of a contra-flow system for cyclists and the relocation of the toucan crossing.

Despite the council claiming the efforts have been made in order to improve the road’s safety, many residents have voiced their opposition. Residents are concerned the changes will encourage drivers to use the road as a ‘rat-run’, actually increasing traffic speed along the stretch rather than reducing it, as cars will no longer have to slow for oncoming vehicles.

Other residents have suggested there is no need to make any drastic changes to Jesmond Dene Road. They have argued that by simply cutting back the vegetation, putting down better road markings and strengthening the barrier, the road will be much safer and can remain a valuable two-way route.

Whilst other residents have supported the council’s proposals, they have suggested that these alone are not enough. Some have argued motorists should be stopped from using the road altogether, and the thoroughfare should only be used by pedestrians and cyclists, as the noise and pollution disrupts the tranquillity of the area.

Sally Watson of the Newcastle Cycling Campaign shared her thoughts on various aspects of the proposals to JesmondLocal.

In regards to the relocation of the toucan crossing she said, “Newcycling recognises the good improvements in the rearranged crossing layout”, however “the turn into oncoming traffic southwards on Ilford Road has still not been designed out.” She suggested that the situation could perhaps be improved through the introduction of a lane splitter, as it would provide a “safe space”.

She went on to suggest that the shared pedestrian and cycle area near the traffic lights and crossings is a “flawed concept” as in her opinion there “should be a clear designation between cycle space and pedestrian space” in order “to limit conflict situations between pedestrians and cyclists.”

Whilst some residents raised concerns that by making Jesmond Dene Road one-way it would become a ‘rat-run’, Watson suggests it is already used in this way, between Jesmond Road and Matthew Bank. On behalf of Newcastle Cycling Campaign, she said “we feel that the rat-run should be removed” – accomplished by making “a section of the road […] closed to motor vehicles.”

She went on to express that if the council was to go ahead with the proposal, Newcastle Cycling Campaign “would want to know what the impact would be on surrounding residential streets” (a concern residents have also mentioned). She added, “we would hope that any one-way section has a separated and protected cycle contra flow, as making the road one-way combined with the many blind corners on this road could make drivers less aware of oncoming contra flow bicycle traffic.”