New traffic lights at South Shields roundabout covered over after 'feedback' from drivers

Signals were put in place on the roundabout at Mill Dam as part of the £21 million transport interchange, which opened in August and as part of the 365 Town Centre Vision.

But the lights have been hidden from drivers after “feedback” from motorists – South Tyneside Council has been unable to give further information about the nature of the comments.

Part of the planning application set out they were put in place with the aim of improving “traffic movement, circulation and management” with an assessment stating the scheme would break the flow of traffic “that will conflict with bus movements from Coronation Street at busy periods.”

Now the council has said they will stay off until it establishes what impact the decision has had on the junction, which connects Harton Quay, Commerical Road, Station Road, Coronation Street and River Drive.

A spokesperson for the council said: “These traffic lights were introduced as part of the revised routes by which buses leave the new transport interchange.

“They were installed to assist with the increased number of buses exiting via Coronation Street by creating breaks in the traffic flow.

“Following feedback from residents, businesses and bus operators, we have recently undertaken a traffic survey to monitor the impact that the lights are having.

“As part of this the lights have been switched off, and will remain so until the results are analysed.”