A GAZETTE story has sparked a road safety campaign in South Tyneside.
A driver suffered life-threatening injuries after his Citroën Xsara careered into a telegraph pole outside the Kelly pub in Hedgeley Road, Hebburn, last week.
Our story triggered an immediate response from Hebburn North ward councillors Richard Porthouse, Mary Butler and Ian Harkus, who have been concerned for some time about previous traffic accidents and the narrowness of Hedgeley Road.
The issue has previously been discussed at South Tyneside Council’s Hebburn community area forum, but now councillors are stepping up their moves to tackle the issue.
Coun Porthouse said: “This latest accident is just one of several along Hedgeley Road in recent years.
“There have been several traffic accidents near Vimy Avenue, which backs on to Hedgeley Road.
“We are very concerned about the narrowness of Hedgeley Road, where cars are often parked – perfectly legally – on both sides of the street.
“It is a bus route and a very busy traffic area, and we think there needs to be something done to address the problem.
“This could involve creating parking bays by removing trees in the area, and we want to get officers to take another look at what can be done.”
Coun Butler said: “We fear Hedgeley Road is becoming an accident blackspot, what with heavy traffic, parked vehicles and drivers speeding.
“I hope the gentleman injured in the crash makes a full and speedy recovery, but the incident has simply increased traffic fears, and we are calling for a traffic survey in the area – something I know residents have been demanding for some time.”
Coun Harkus said: “We are going to get the council’s highways department to look at Hedgeley Road, which is very narrow.
“There could be an issue with finance, but this is something that needs to be addressed.”
A site visit is also planned by ward councillors.
Police say the man injured in last Wednesday’s crash in Hedgeley Road remains in a stable condition at South Tyneside District Hospital in South Shields.
Twitter: @terrykelly16
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