Local authority to punish drivers with replaced Low Traffic Neighbourhood
New measure would affect 10,000 residents
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A local authority has received major backlash over its replacement of a Low Traffic Neighbourhood which failed to gain support from the public.
Newcastle City Council is holding a consultation over a suggested healthy walking promotion aimed at replacing the LTN in the city which was axed in April.
The measure would affect over 10,000 residents who live in the Heaton district and as part of the council plans it would see certain roads blocked off to allow easier access for people cycling and walking.
The new scheme is designed to avoid the displacement of traffic onto other residential streets and back lanes resulting from the road closures in place during the low traffic zone trial.
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The LTN was removed in April
PAThe revised LTN plan would include widened pavements, new crossings and measures to reduce traffic speeds to make streets quieter and safer for people, particularly those walking and cycling.
The scheme also introduces one-way streets, new double yellow lines, parking restrictions and restricted access for drivers.
Councillor Marion Williams explained that following feedback from residents and data gathered from the LTN zone trial, the council has launched a new proposal for Heaton.
She said: “The measures we are putting forward are designed to make it safer and easier for people to move around their local area.”
The plans include one-way streets on Cardigan Terrace, Falmouth Road and Stannington Grove as well as the back lanes off Heaton Park View.
The council has also considered issues and suggestions raised by local people in response to the two options for tackling traffic displacement that were looked at earlier this year.
Williams added: “Our teams will be out talking to local residents and businesses to gather their views on these revised measures as part of a six-week engagement programme, to help us finalise the proposals ahead of formal public consultation later in the year.”
However, residents have shared their fury and dislike over the measure they view as “just as bad” as the LTN.
Taking to social media, one person shared: “Having got rid of the last brain dead LTN idea, feel sorry the folks of Heaton are having this stress again of another just as bad idea.
“The council needs to leave it alone and stop throwing money down the drain.”
Meanwhile, someone else shared: “Another pointless waste of our money on something no one wants and that will only generate more problems and pollution while killing of the local economy.
“The roads in the area are in such a bad state. Honestly the council is such a joke.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Drivers can send feedback on the LTN until August 30
PAThe public engagement on the proposals will run from 22 July until 30 August and will include several public drop-in events to share thoughts on the scheme.
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