A NORTH EAST town which saw a raft of changes made to its road layouts - including the addition of a bus lane - will see them retained.

Gateshead Council has confirmed experimental changes brought in on the north side of the town in July 2020 will be kept for a further two years.

This also includes a bus lane, which the council previously admitted had led to a 'small number' of drivers being caught out due to the changes being unfamiliar.

Read more: Drivers using this stretch of road warned of MAJOR change - or it could cost you £60

The council said the bus lane on Askew Road between the junction with West Street, Wellington Street and the Tyne Bridge, and a new parallel cycle lane would be kept.

Hills Street was also closed to through traffic and Nelson Street and Lambton Street altered to become 'access only' to and from Trinity Square.

It said the new layouts would now be retained for an extended period, with a review to be carried out after two years.

It said it will also carry out a review of signage to assist road users navigate the new, longer team road layout.

'This has not been an easy decision to reach'

Anneliese Hutchinson, service director for development, transport and public protection said: "This has not been an easy decision to reach, as we know there are strong feelings on both sides, and we are living in uncertain times, but on the basis of the evidence in front of us and in working towards our goals on air quality and climate change, we believe this is the best solution for now.

"The changes to Askew Road, Hills Street and Nelson Street / Lambton Street together have hugely improved routes for cyclists, walkers and bus passengers.

"We recognise traffic flows on surrounding routes have been affected, but the total number of vehicles has reduced over time.

 "Our research shows that making Askew Road bus only has made a big contribution to improved flows on the Tyne Bridge, as it currently operates. This makes an important contribution to improving air quality."

Bus company reacts

Martjin Gilbert, managing director at Go North East, added: "We're delighted that the experimental road network changes are being retained.

"This is a welcome change that has been benefitting many thousands of bus passengers each day, whilst also helping improve the reliability and attractiveness of public transport, and will continue to do so.

"If we're really serious about reducing congestion, improving air quality, connecting communities and helping the local economy, then this is the sort of highways scheme that we must embrace and also do more of."

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