Safe Streets for Heaton

After all the years of changes to our streets in recent years a group of us, all local residents, are calling on Newcastle City Council to make our streets safer and quieter. Our neighbourhood in the only one in area which is open to through traffic.

To this end we have submitted a petition, signed by over 180 residents, which can be found here of those who wish to support our aims. Check out the Petition page for more information.

If you wish to print a paper copy, a pdf version of the petition can be downloaded from here.

More detail, background information and research has been put together in a document you can find here.

Summary

We believe the community want a pedestrian-friendly Heaton Park Road like we see on Heaton Road instead of the status quo.

We can create an amazing neighbourhood.

There is only one residential block in this area which is open to through traffic
The 2022-2024 trial of a low-traffic solution created new opportunities for residents to walk, meet neighbours, and spend time outdoors safely - but the design of the scheme led to unsafe driving through back-lanes
Now residents are rallying around Newcastle Council’s proposed Option 2 which was consulted on in February 2024
Option 2 addresses these design issues and comes with additional benefits

What is Option 2?

Option 2 creates a single, walkable pavement along the length of Heaton Park Road. Just like Heaton Road

Back-lane traffic is reduced to the low levels seen elsewhere in Heaton
Creates pedestrian and child-friendly access to the Heaton Park

The solid black line shows an uninterrupted pavement.

People can walk the high street without having to cross any roads.
Vehicle access is maintained for all areas

This was the most supported option in the recent consultation - It’s a starting point towards a cleaner, greener, happier neighbourhood for all:

Creation of pocket parks
Improves flow for buses and other vehicles along the road
Easier walking / wheeling particularly for those with mobility or sensory issues
Safer routes to local schools
Support for local business
Neighbourhood interconnectedness

This is an opportunity for Newcastle City Council to listen to residents, and to support us in our quest to make this already thriving neighbourhood even better.

FAQs

How Does This Affect The Community?

We have had feedback, insights and questions from the community. Here we’re exploring some of the benefits that come with Option 2 from a broad range of community members.

I have school children

Great. Option 2 makes it so much safer for children to walk from Byker to Heaton, and with the new school streets makes it all the better to access education on foot.

I have a mobility or sensory impairment

For those who can and wish to walk or wheel - Option 2 makes the route all along Heaton Park Road so much easier to traverse. And reduces car traffic dangers in the Heaton terraces. For those who need to use a motor vehicle, Option 2 improves traffic flow through Heaton Park View, and the same for the buses along the stretch

I have a carer who needs to access my house

For those carers coming to the area in motor vehicles, access is maintained through the whole area - there will be an addition 2 minute drive for those coming from Warwick street to access the Heaton terraces via Heaton Road

I work in the area

Brilliant. Option 2 makes it easier for workers to access Heaton Road, the Terraces, and Heaton Park Road by foot. For those who need to bring a motor vehicle into the area, access is maintained throughout.

I live here, and need to drive to work

Option 2 allows everyone who wants to, to use a motor vehicle to get to work. For those wanting to access Warwick Street from the Terraces, there will be an additional 2-4 minutes using the access via Heaton Road. This is how nearly all new build estates are built to avoid people driving through - one way in, one way out

I need to access the park

Option 2 opens up the entrance to Heaton Park at Warwick Street/Heaton Park View/Heaton Park Road, making a safer and more attractive entrance for all

I want to get the bus into town

The number 1 bus provides a great route into the city centre. Option 2 reduces the number of junctions on Heaton Park Road, which has been shown to reduce congestion.

Additionally, the pelican crossing at the top of Warwick street will no longer need to stop for many pedestrian crossings, this will further reduce traffic congestion.

I walk or cycle into town

The original experimental LTN was “permeable”. This caused traffic to rat-run through back lanes, and over the continuous pavements. This caused conflict areas for cyclists and pedestrians.

Option 2, however, stops all through traffic. This means that all vehicular traffic in the back lanes and terraces is “access only”. Pedestrians and cyclists will have minimal conflicts with cars.

I need to go to Morrisons

Option 2 supports safe walking down Heaton Park Road to Morrisons. The addition of benches at regular intervals makes the journey easier for ages and abilities.

A safer crossing at North View / Heaton Park Road would make this journey even better.

I need to park my car near my house

Option 2 doesn’t change any parking arrangements

I run a business in the area

Under Option 2, visiting the area by walking and wheeling to shop, and visit local businesses, becomes easier and more attractive. We look at the success of Block and Bottle, Butterfly Cabinet, and Sainsburys on Heaton Road and think that can be replicated on Heaton Park Road.

What about deliveries?

The council is responsible for liaising with online mapping services so that delivery drivers can follow new routes to houses. Access is maintained to all properties in the area.

What about emergency services?

Emergency Services use the speediest, not necessarily most direct, route into neighbourhoods, and are always consulted before road changes are made. Option 2 will improve traffic flow on Heaton Park Road, and we look to the other side of Heaton Road for examples of how emergency services can always access people’s homes even where access is from one direction.

What about Refuse Collection?

All the back lanes remain accessible. The routes may need to change.

Who’s Supporting This?

You?

We have spoken to residents (old and young), businesses, headteachers, teachers, local councillors. There are many that will support Option 2. This petition is the first step in gathering the signatures to implement this change.