News on Safe Fenham Trials

Why was the decision made to remove the road closures at the end of the trial?

The main reason we are removing the closures is due to traffic increases on other neighbouring residential streets including Brand Avenue, Sutherland Avenue, Severus Road, Queensway (south of Alder Avenue) and Kingsway (at its junction with Fenham Hall Drive).

Despite significant reductions in traffic for people living next to the closures on Nuns Moor Road and the northern end of Queensway and Kingsway, traffic using other residential streets increased. Traffic count data suggests that through traffic is using other residential routes rather than staying on the main road network of Fenham Hall Drive, Wingrove Road and Hadrian Road.

What evidence was there to support this decision?

Traffic surveys have been carried out at several intervals during the duration of the trial (in April/May 2022, September/October 2022, and July 2023), at a range of locations in the area. Surveys were also carried out before the trial to provide baseline data in July 2021, September 2021, and March 2022.

The surveys have consistently shown increased traffic onto residential streets.

• Queensway (south of Alder Avenue) saw a 154.25% increase in average weekday vehicle count from 706 vehicles (Pre- LTN, March 2022) to 1795 (Post-LTN, Sep 2022).

• Sutherland Avenue saw an 59.41% increase in average weekday vehicle count from 446 vehicles (Pre- LTN, March 2022) to 711 (Post-LTN, Sep 2022).

• Severus Road saw a 14.78% increase in average weekday vehicle count from 555 vehicles (Pre- LTN, March 2022) to 637 (Post-LTN, July 2023).

• Brand Avenue saw an average weekday count of 1065 vehicles after LTN measures. It is understood that this is a significant increase comparing to other adjacent streets.

• Kingsway (at its junction with Fenham Hall Drive) saw a 14.44% increase in average weekday vehicle count from 478 vehicles (Pre- LTN, March 2022) to 547 (Post-LTN, September 2022).

What did feedback from the formal consultation say?

The formal consultation ran for the first six months of the trial. Over 500 opinions were expressed during the consultation period, via written correspondence, Commonplace contributions, and Let’s Talk Newcastle. Most respondents believed the measures should not be made permanent; and that they had not made the area safer, cleaner, and greener.

Via the Commonplace website:

- 61% opposed making the Kingsway/Queensway closure permanent.

- 68% opposed making the Gowland Avenue and Nuns Moor Road closures permanent.

Via written correspondence:

- 44% were critical; 42% supportive; and 14% neutral.

Will traffic surveys continue to monitor the area?

Yes. Further traffic surveys will be undertaken in the area to help with future proposals. The next traffic count is planned for late September 2023.

What will be done now about speeding, parking and traffic safety issues?

As well as counting volume, traffic counters also collect speed information so that problem areas can be identified. Immediate concerns about speeding should be reported to Northumbria Police, who are responsible for enforcing the speed limit. To report parking issues, contact Parking Services at the council on 0191 277 7799 or email parking.cs@newcastle.gov.uk

What will be done now about peak-time issues with school and mosque traffic?

We are aware of the issues in the area with peak-time traffic. We will continue to investigate these issues using our traffic survey data, consultation feedback and by listening to residents. We will look at solutions to these issues with residents, as part of the next stage of proposals for the area.

There were other permanent schemes planned, will these still go ahead?

Other permanent schemes including those announced at the same time as the trial, will continue later this year. These will be permanent Traffic Regulation Orders, so consultation will take place before implementation:

- A school crossing for Hadrian Road.

- Traffic calming on Wingrove Road and Wingrove Avenue.

- Yellow lines at the junction of Bourne Avenue and Fowberry Crescent.

In addition, the following work will take place soon to deter speeding:

- The junction tightening at Bolbec Road and Cedar Road will be installed and bollards removed.

- Additional junction tightening at Gowland Avenue (at the Cedar Road and Hadrian Road junctions).

What will happen next? 

We plan to start discussions with residents about future potential proposals to deal with traffic issues this Autumn. However, the earliest any future schemes could be implemented would be Summer 2024.

How do we get involved?

We will write to you again with dates for future meetings. You can also email the transport team if you have any questions at neighbourhoods@newcastle.gov.uk

Do sign up to the Commonplace website for updates at safefenhamtrials.commonplace.is