New Crossing Plans to Boost Road Safety

Proposals are being developed for a new pedestrian crossing to help improve safety on a busy South Shields road.

South Tyneside Council is drawing up plans to replace the current pedestrian refuge on Galsworthy Road with a new signalised puffin crossing point. The proposed scheme comes following historical road safety concerns in the area.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety and a Whiteleas ward member, said: "Road safety is a top priority for us.

"This particular stretch of road - between Whiteleas Way and the junction with Benton Road - is a key route for traffic between South Shields and Boldon Colliery. It is also a built-up residential area with a children's play area and older people's homes close by.

"Following very careful consideration of the issues in this location, the Council is looking to remove the existing pedestrian island and replace it with a new signalised crossing. If this scheme goes ahead, then it will help to make it safer for people crossing the road."

The proposed new crossing has been welcomed by the Whiteleas ward members - who also include Councillors Bill Brady and Doreen Purvis - with provisional funding identified from the West Shields, Cleadon and East Boldon Community Area Forum and the Council's road safety budget.

The proposals are currently subject to the statutory legal process, with local people also invited to have their say as part of the public consultation.

Letters are also being sent to residents in the area.

Councillor Gibson said: "The Whiteleas ward members have been working with officers to look at ways of improving road safety in this area for some time now. We are pleased that a potential scheme has been identified for this location. We would encourage local people to take the opportunity to get involved in the consultation."

Plans are available to view on the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/trafficmanagement

Residents can submit any comments to the Road Safety Team by emailing trafficandroadsafety@southtyneside.gov.uk