'Highly dangerous' - Safety plans revealed to end 'chaos' on stretch of road near South Tyneside school

A stretch of ‘danger’ road next to a busy South Tyneside school crossing point is being targeted in a safety crackdown after years of complaints of speeding drivers and poorly parked parents.

Highways chiefs say they are reacting to longstanding concerns at the flashpoint where St Wilfrid’s RC College pupils cross on four sides of the Grey Hen pub roundabout in South Shields.

Householders have long demanded action to halt motorists who put their foot to the floor as they head from the roundabout into 30mph Harton Lane and towards the borough’s district hospital.

They have also hit out at mums and dads who park irresponsibly across curbs and on pavements at that location.

And worries have also been raised about speeders tearing along adjoining Temple Park Road, both from the Nook and the West Park.

Police speed camera vans have targeted both roads in recent years – and now South Tyneside Council is taking action.

It plans a series of safety measures, including installing Pelican or Toucan crossings – and has opened a public consultation.

The move has been welcomed by the West Park ward’s Green Party councillors and residents whose homes overlook the school.

In a joint statement, Matt Blair, Tony Leather and Jasim Uddin said: “All three of us are aligned on this.

“We welcome the new safety measures on what can be a dangerous stretch of road and have full confidence that the officers have planned and will execute it efficiently.”

A Harton Lane resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “So many drivers tear off the roundabout and blast their way towards the hospital.

“Some must be hitting close to 50mph – it is highly dangerous and very irresponsible, and I know I’m not alone in my concerns.

“And parents dropping their children at school or picking them up are also contributing to the chaos.

“They park very close to the roundabout, where the school gate is. It gives very little room for other motorists and buses to get past.

“I know a lot of people will very much welcome these proposed safety measures.”

Cllr Karen Pittuck, the council’s Lead Member for Highways, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said the location was particularly busy at school times, adding: “We are always looking at ways to improve safety.

“We are aware concerns have been raised about this stretch of road previously, and programmes like this allow us to revisit locations where there is clear demand and an opportunity to make improvements.

“At this stage, no decisions have been made. We are consulting on a range of proposed new crossing facilities and want to hear from residents, parents and road users about their experiences.

“Feedback will help shape the next steps, alongside further design work and funding approval. The scheme would be externally funded if it progresses, meaning no direct cost to the Council.”

In a letter to residents, the council said the scheme aimed to create safe crossing points for pedestrians and school pupils 24 hours a day through the implementation of formalised crossing points.

As well as the possible installation of Puffin or Toucan crossings, zig-zag markings will prohibit drivers from stopping.

The public consultation is open until Monday, July 13, and details can be found at: https://haveyoursay.southtyneside.gov.uk/road-safety/harton-lane-temple-park-road