New safety plan for danger South Shields road

Calls for action to make Marsden Road, South Shields safer, were sparked when Martha Johnson, an 88-year-old former charity worker, was knocked over and killed in August – only yards from the Aged Miners Cottages where she lived.

South Tyneside Council installed a temporary signal crossing after the accident and has been working with Northumbria Police to identify long-term measures.

The council is now consulting on new proposals.

These include installing a permanent puffin crossing near the Spar store and speed cushions along Marsden Road as well as implementing a 20 mile per hour speed limit. There are also plans to install vehicle -activated signs to alert drivers of the new speed limit.

A consultation event for local people will take place on Tuesday from 4pm to 8pm, at Bulmer House, in Marsden Road.

Local councillor, Coun Neil Maxwell, said: “Road safety is of paramount importance to us.

“Following this tragic incident, a temporary crossing was quickly put in place to help allay concerns about this stretch of road. We are pleased that some potential long-term measures have been identified to help improve safety and reduce accidents.

“Having a signalised puffin crossing would provide a safer crossing point between the Aged Miners Cottages and the shop, while also supporting children and families on their school routes.

“We hope that local residents will take the time and come along and find out more about the proposed scheme for the area.”

The council has carried out a series of traffic and pedestrian surveys and liaised with the emergency services and transport operators to develop the plans.

Coun Eileen Leask said: “As this is a difficult location for road safety measures, due to the number of junctions and residents’ driveways, there has been a lot of careful consideration and research carried out to help develop a more permanent solution.

“We are urging local people to take the opportunity to let us know their views on the proposals.”

Further information about the proposals are available online here.

Residents can also send their comments to [email protected].