A ROAD safety plan costing £28,000 has been given the green light in response to concerns raised about a series of accidents on a Jarrow estate.
A 20mph zone is set to be introduced on the Low Simonside Estate after being given the thumbs-up by members of South Tyneside Council’s Jarrow and Boldon community area forum.
The move comes after residents of the estate expressed concerns about vehicles tearing through it at excessive speeds.
The 900-home estate last had traffic-calming measures fitted about 10 years ago.
Bede ward councillor Fay Cunningham, pictured, said: “We carried out consultation with the residents, and 80 per cent of those who responded were in favour of the speed zone being introduced.
“We had about 30 people at a consultation event, and most wanted action to reduce traffic speeds at Low Simonside.
“But there were a few concerns about the plans, and that’s why we’re extending the consultation period for another week.”
Data from January 2009 to October 2012 revealed there were five vehicle-related injury accidents on the estate over that period.
None of those hurt was seriously injured.
One accident, at the junction of Lynton Avenue and Lulworth Avenue, involved a child cyclist, and in another, a motorcyclist was injured at the junction of Falmouth Drive and Taunton Drive.
A council report on the speed scheme says: “It is anticipated that the installation of a number of strategically-located traffic signs at the entrances and exit to the zone and within the zone will further maintain traffic speeds to an acceptable level, minimise unnecessary through traffic and increase road safety.”
The £28,000 funding for the speed zone will come out of the council’s local transport plan kitty from funds specifically designed for speed zones during the current financial year.
No start date for the work has yet been fixed.
Any Low Simonside residents wishing to express views about the plans can contact Warren Cooke at the council on 427 1717.
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