Mixed reaction to speed limit plans for busy South Shields road

South Tyneside Council’s plan for traffic speed limits to be reduced from 30pmh to 20pmh on Marsden Road, South Shields, will also see the 20mph limit enforced in 14 other streets nearby.

The scheme, now subject to planning approval, will also see nearby streets including Harton House Road, Mitchell Gardens, Harton House Road East, Harton Rise, Grinstead Close, Highfield Drive, Horsley Vale, High Meadow, Midhurst Avenue, Leafield Crescent, Wells Grove, Westhope Close and Ridley Close, have their speed restrictions lowered.

Much-loved Martha Johnson, who died following a collision on Marsden Road, South Shields.

The plans include the installation of speed bumps along Marsden Road, which already has a puffin crossing.

The crossing was installed following the death of pensioner Martha Johnson, who was knocked over and died on the road last year.

The tragedy happened in August – only yards from the Aged Miners’ Cottages – where the 88-year-old former charity worker lived.

It led to residents calling for additional road safety measures to be introduced in the area.

Parking issues have also been raised as an issue.

But the council speed plans have sparked a negative reaction among some in the area, who feel that they will have little impact.

Sean Haswell said: “Reducing it to 20mph will have no effect at all. People will still drive between the 30pmh to 40mph mark.

“I would say that the crossing is enough, maybe even parking enforcement.

“It’s really bad where the lady lost her life.”

Lisa Ball commented: “The crossing is enough in my humble opinion. Incredibly sad last year when the lady died.”

Heather Ditchburn Curry write: “Absolutely no need for speed bumps!

“Before long it’s going to take half an hour to do a 10-minute journey, not to mention the damage to people’s cars.”

Fraser Wilson said: “No need to drop it to 20mph if people use the designated area to cross and pay attention.”

But some people were in favour of the proposed plans.

Steve Wilson said: “Speed is an issue on that road. I live there and see people speeding all the time, not just a little bit, 50-odd mph.”

David Trotter agreed: “Well done South Tyneside Council, doing your best.”

Residents can have their say by contacting Head of Legal Services, South Tyneside Council, South Shields Town Hall, Westoe Road, South Shields, NE33 2RL or emailing: [email protected] by August 17.