al johnson

@Jesmonder At least two of those pics look to be for traffic heading north at the top of Osborne Rd. Don't see why the new bollards would be responsible for increased traffic issues there? Something else causing problems?

I’ve just seen these photos of the gridlock along Jesmond’s main road. Hard to credibly argue this is greener, cleaner or better.

@Jesmonder @toon_gez @JaneLabour The level of pollution at that spot will be largely from stationary cars heading east. With your proposal more people would have to go past that spot, when they wouldn't need to if can just turn left at Cradlewell jn.

@write2al @toon_gez @JaneLabour This is the location of the highest level of pollution in Jesmond. So it is greener not to push as many cars down the Cradlewell.

If Jesmond has to have a LTN then this should be the default solution against which all others options are evaluated. @JaneLabour @JesmondTanya #Jesmond

@Jesmonder @toon_gez @JaneLabour lol. Based on where the existing ones are, put additional two sets on Grosvenor Rd/Ave and have the east side of the area exiting via Cradlewell and west side via Osborne Rd. I'd rather no bollards at all but if blocking through route that's my view.

@write2al @toon_gez @JaneLabour You could clog the streets with more and more bollards. However the fewer bollards to achieve the objective, the better.

@Jesmonder @toon_gez @JaneLabour If the bollards were elsewhere it would still massively reduce the traffic at both points compared to what they were before the introduction of the changes, let alone the current situation.

@write2al @toon_gez @JaneLabour The only problem with that argument is: • it would increase traffic on the blind bend on Jesmond Dene Road • it would increase traffic on the Cradlewell Junction, which is already exhibiting problems.

@Jesmonder @toon_gez @JaneLabour Whilst it seems to be your preferred option it's definitely not mine. If you're trying to keep people walking/cycling on shorter journeys and only driving for longer ones, makes sense to me that more people have access to Cradlewell. Osborne Rd is only better for Jesmond/Gosforth

@toon_gez The Council has yet to set out its proposed solution. This option seems to be the one gaining traction as it involves minimal disruption whilst delivering upon the principles set out by @JaneLabour at the meeting. It’s likely to be the Emergency Services favoured option too.

@Jesmonder @SPACEforJesmond The specific point I'm trying to make includes two additional closures - one each on Grosvenor Rd and Avenue rather than one additional closure on Jesmond Dene Road. The purple lines look to indicate how areas are grouped based on access.

@write2al @SPACEforJesmond What are all the purple lines in that picture? Seems to involve lots more bollards than the Stote’s Hall Filter idea.

A date for your diary - 7pm Weds 15th March @JesmondLibrary. Jesmond’s traffic chaos will be discussed with the Councillors responsible. Your chance to have your say and contribute to a workable solution. Please retweet, so everyone with an interest in solving this attends.

@Jesmonder @SPACEforJesmond the @SPACEforJesmond option I'm referring to closes both Grosvenor Rd and Ave, so it stops the through traffic on them and solves that issue. Not sure of pros/cons of other closures vs current ones.

@write2al @SPACEforJesmond This is what is happening at the moment.

@Jesmonder @SPACEforJesmond I also think there needs to be changes to the junction at the bottom of Osborne Rd either way. But it's just tinkering really. There needs to be a wider strategic change to reduce traffic, particular for school run.

@Jesmonder @SPACEforJesmond Down to personal preferences between those two I think. If the numbers won't make a difference to Grosvenor Rd, it won't to Cradlewell jn either. Car access to Osborne Rd is only really better if driving to Jesmond/Gosforth, which are the journeys they're trying to change.

@Jesmonder @SPACEforJesmond Fair enough. In my head I still see both options being the same for pedestrians/cyclists and I think a bit more car access to Cradlewell junction is better than more to Osborne Rd. Aside from Grosvenor, I see traffic on Osborne Rd becoming worse in both directions going forwards

@write2al @SPACEforJesmond But with nobody coming from the Cradlewell it would be v low numbers.

@Jesmonder I was meaning when compared to closing Grosvenor Rd/Ave as per eg @SPACEforJesmond proposal - that would obviously stop the rat run. This one would have more folk going up Grosvenor than that one.

@write2al The cars won’t be going down Grosvenor, if they can’t reach the Cradlewell. So that would seem to be solved.

@Jesmonder Not really clear if / why this might be better than the previous proposals with the bollards on Grosvenor Rd / Ave? Don't think it really improves JDR for pedestrians or cyclists? Think more benefit in keeping traffic to minimum on Grosvenor Rd from what we've seen.

I understand one option being explored is a “filter” (bollard) just south of Collingwood Terrace. Advantage is that it makes Jesmond Dene Road into a good cycling road, whilst also being able to cast Cradlewell as a leisure location, where people park up and make use of shops.

@carltonreid @Jesmonder @Joe_Strummer @apchara @LittleNinjaUK @MichaelMarmot Reading these points and looking at what has been implemented, I see 'people with connections have complained, we'll send the traffic down streets that aren't important to us'. Any other scenario Grosvenor Rd / Ave would be closed too, creating a proper LTN.

@Jesmonder @write2al @Joe_Strummer @apchara @LittleNinjaUK @MichaelMarmot I'm not a planner and nor do I know how the modelling was worked out, but many permutations will have been studied, and it's very possible that tweaks will and can be made because the real world isn't a model.

I'll take the bet @carltonreid, as long as the residents we ask are those who spend time on the 'slivers of hell' receiving the traffic displaced by the LTN. Care to make a side bet that, after six months, the East Jesmond scheme will deliver increased car ownership & use?

@carltonreid @Jesmonder @Joe_Strummer @apchara @LittleNinjaUK @MichaelMarmot Don't think Osborne Road being quiet will be to do with LTN impact. Jesmond Road heading to Osborne Road was also remarkably quiet this afternoon around 5pm, so maybe just less traffic about this afternoon after snow

@Jesmonder @write2al @Joe_Strummer @apchara @LittleNinjaUK @MichaelMarmot No more busy than usual at 15.42.

@carltonreid @Jesmonder @Joe_Strummer @apchara @LittleNinjaUK @MichaelMarmot My point is that why would you redirect traffic down the routes that are most heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists? That makes no sense at all. Grosvenor Rd/Ave need to be blocked or the proposal rethought.

@write2al @Jesmonder @Joe_Strummer @apchara @LittleNinjaUK @MichaelMarmot It was same for Jesmond Dene Road at the beginning. Now it’s very well used by pedestrians and cyclists. Change is always difficult, but change is required. This is also a trial, so can be tweaked.

@Jesmonder @Joe_Strummer @apchara @LittleNinjaUK @carltonreid @MichaelMarmot Have just done loop to acorn road. Along JDR, Grosvenor Rd lots of people out cycling and walking, inc with dogs/prams, but also lots of vehicles, so now pollution/risk too. Back down Osborne Ave, one other pedestrian. The changes make no sense. Benefitting a few at cost to many

@write2al @Joe_Strummer @apchara @LittleNinjaUK @carltonreid @MichaelMarmot I can see with my own eyes the problem on Jesmond Dene Road, Grosvenor Road and Grosvenor Avenue. This is not a LTN. Rather it is a concentrated HTN.

Please stop calling this an LTN. It's not. By definition LTNs cover an entire area and remove all through traffic. This scheme achieves neither of these and has destroyed the quality of life for people living on previously quiet residential streets @carltonreid @JaneLabour

@JaneLabour One of the perceived benefits of the Heaton scheme was safer access to Heaton Park. Yet in Jesmond you have made the area around / access to access Jesmond Dene more dangerous. It's ludicrous.

Changes now installed with a 6 month consultation …easttrialsconsultation.commonplace.is Happy to discuss in person, online or via email. Contact: Jane.byrne@newcastle.gov.uk

@iamnicksimpson @Jesmonder @NewcastleCC It was caused by directing traffic down streets that are not suitable. This exact issue/danger was highlighted in the consultation feedback but ignored like lots of other valid concerns. The scheme is not a LTN and is dangerous. @JaneLabour

@Jesmonder @NewcastleCC I’m guessing that was caused by snow, not road closures..? Our area was one of the first as part of the new LTN measures. It’s transformed the area for the better. Vastly safer for everyone, especially local children. I know some people are worried by change, but don’t be.

Sadly, the plans for Gosforth High St are as depressing as I’d feared. Current protections to cyclists to be removed to make northbound buses marginally faster. All credit to Jane and the @NewcastleCC staff though, for patiently explaining and discussing the proposals for hours.