Gateshead Bus Lane Fines Tripled Since Flyover Closure

National World - LocalTV

Since the closure of the A!67 Gateshead flyover, there has been a significant increase in fines issued to drivers violating the High West Street bus gate regulations.

Transcript

00:00Following the sudden closure of the A167 Gateshead flyover in December 2024 due to structural

00:06concerns, there has been a significant increase in fines issued to drivers violating the High

00:10West Street bus gate regulations. The flyover, constructed in the 1960s, was closed after

00:16inspections revealed serious deterioration, including damage to one of its supporting

00:20pillars. This closure led to altered traffic patterns with drivers seeking alternative

00:24routes through the town centre, resulting in increased violations of bus lane restrictions

00:29and a corresponding rise in penalties. Council figures indicate that the monthly average

00:33of penalty charge notices, or PCNs, issued from the High West Street bus gate nearly

00:38tripled to 1,617 in December, 1,524 in January and 1,231 in February. Over this three-month

00:49period, the total of PCNs issued would amount to over £150,000 in fines, assuming drivers

00:56paid the initial £35 fine. Residents have raised concerns about the signage and diversion

01:01routes. Neil Tinkler, a Bertley resident, felt he had fallen into a trap when he was

01:05fined £35 after inadvertently driving in the bus lane while following a diversion in

01:11February. He had called on Gateshead Council to improve signage and make the restrictions

01:15more visible, especially as the flyover remains closed and more drivers are diverted through

01:20the town centre. In response, Gateshead Council stated that the regulations around bus lanes

01:25have not changed since the flyover's closure. The High West Street bus gate is signposted

01:30in advance, warning drivers that only buses and cycles may travel north through the traffic

01:35lights. The Council also implemented diversion routes using Arthur Street, Prince Consort

01:40Road and Charles Street to manage traffic flow and minimise disruption.

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