New lane markings on Low Fell road junction to be removed as they are “not functioning” as planned, says Council
Recent changes to the Durham Road, Chowdene Bank, and Kells Lane junction are set to be reversed after the alterations “were not functioning” as Gateshead Council anticipated.
The local authority extended the northbound bus bane on the A167 Durham Road, between the Stone Trough pub and the junction with Chowdene Bank. As a result, lane markings at the junction were also rearranged and changed how drivers could use the junction.
The scheme intended to help buses run on time on the route into Gateshead and was externally funded by the central government. However, after listening to local feedback and subsequent analysis, the council has decided to roll back the road markings at the junction.
A council spokesperson said: “After assessing the new layout in operation and listening to feedback, we have decided to revert back to the original layout.
Both layouts, before and after the recent amendments, complied with all relevant guidance, but it was recognised the changes were not functioning as we had anticipated.
“Weather permitting, temporary works to alter the lane markings are scheduled to be carried out this Sunday (April 28) ahead of permanent works being arranged.”
The council’s announcement on Facebook prompted 213 comments, many of them criticising the changes in the first place.
Low Fell local, Ian Britton, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service was happy to see the changes, after witnessing several near accidents on the stretch.
“I’m delighted to see the council agreed to look at this again and reverse it”, said the 66-year-old radio broadcaster. “I am glad to see common sense prevailed”.
Leader of the council’s Lib Dem opposition, Ron Beadle, from the neighbouring ward of Low Fell said: “We are very pleased the council has seen sense. Perhaps the lesson in the long term is to test proposals with road users before they are implemented.”