Calls for greater safety measures as Newcastle road becomes an accident hotspot
Written by Cian Mortimer on 2nd December 2024
A Newcastle bridge has become a hotspot for road traffic accidents, as residents call on the council to take action.
The stretch of road near Chillingham Road Metro station has seen three major incidents in the past year, resulting in two deaths and four serious injuries. The most recent tragedy occurred at the bridge over the Metro line, which features a sharp bend that residents believe contributes to its dangers.
Clare Lydon, aged 50, who lives on Cardigan Terrace and frequently uses the bridge, said: “The corner especially just before you reach the Chillingham Arms always has me frightened due to once being a passenger in a car years back when the driver clipped the path and nearly mounted the pavement.
“When I heard there was an accident, I was devastated someone had died but it wasn’t a surprise due to witnessing a lot of careless driving along the stretch by some vehicles.”
The bridge, which serves a mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, has been criticised for its narrow footpaths and poor visibility. Residents say these design flaws, coupled with reckless driving, make the area a “death trap.”
Fiona Strachan, a Heaton resident who witnessed reckless driving firsthand, said: “I was driving down Chilli Road towards the Metro and witnessed the car in front of me drive on the wrong side of the road over the Metro bridge. It was dark and they were speeding.”
David King, a local father who often walks the route with his children, highlighted concerns about pedestrian safety, especially for families.
He said: “The footpath on the north side is narrow and bad for walking, especially with kids or a pram. Removing the road hatchings and widening the pavement could help, along with dropping the speed to 20.”
Other residents suggested solutions ranging from speed bumps to improved signage. Deborah Harrison, who has lived in Heaton for 16 years, pointed to a surge in joyriding as a potential cause for the recent spike in accidents.
She said: “We need to be looking at why people are suddenly speeding/joyriding on Chilli Road when it didn’t really used to happen much.”
The spike in accidents has left residents divided on solutions. Some feel reduced speed limits and cameras would help, while others doubt they would deter reckless drivers.
Newcastle City Council has been approached for comment.