Jesmond will become the fourth area of Newcastle to become a low traffic neighbourhood, following proposals set out by Newcastle City Council. The council suggests that measures will be installed to restrict traffic through local streets in order to create safer, cleaner and greener neighbourhoods.
The proposals for this new low traffic neighbourhood in Newcastle follow on from previous schemes in Fenham and Heaton, where measures have been installed to re-route traffic, with the latest scheme implemented in South Gosforth on 6th February.
Low traffic neighbourhoods can typically be implemented through the use of barriers such as bollards and planters, but can also be implemented virtually through automatic number-plate recognition cameras and road signs. There is evidence to suggest that these low traffic neighbourhoods lead to a decrease in car use and an increase in walking and cycling.
Summary of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood changes
- Streets from Osborne Avenue through to Cavendish Road will have through-traffic removed.
- Grosvenor Road retains through access.
- Direct through routes from Osborne Road to Cradlewell are removed – except via Manor House Road, Grosvenor Road and the Jesmond Dene Road.
Pre-consultation lasted from 7th February to 19th February 2023. Public consultation is due to start on 6thMarch 2023 and last until 3rd September 2023. More information on the consultation, as well as further details on its timeline, can be found here.
At ethical partnership we have seen first-hand how the reduction of traffic in neighbourhoods can have a positive impact on its local community. In September 2022, we supported local community groups Dwellbeing and Shieldfield Art Works with their Car Free Day, a local community event. This event aimed to create more space for neighbourhood gatherings, safer streets, and the promotion of local transport options. We believe that it is this community action and engagement that is vital in securing the sustainability of low traffic neighbourhoods, as well as enabling the community to get together and use their voice as a major stakeholder group.
At ethical partnership our work is guided by our values, where we place a strong emphasis on the needs of the local community. We constantly engage with all stakeholders to ensure that our projects provide the best possible outcome for the local community.
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