Traffic issues on A695 through Mickley Square and West Mickley 

Background

In the late 1980's a by-pass (industrial link road) was built to divert the traffic of the main Gateshead to Hexham road (A695) around the town of Prudhoe. However, the new road rejoined the old road just before Mickley Square and then passes through West Mickley and Stocksfield. The section of road through Mickley had no 30mph limit and so traffic was able pass through the village at 60mph, including passing the village school.

Following a campaign a 30mph speed limit was imposed through the whole of Mickley Square and West Mickley. However traffic continues to speed through the village, and there have been a number of accidents. A pedestrian crossing controlled by lights was installed in West Mickley - although this has had little effect on traffic, many vehicles using this straight section to overtake vehicles conforming to the limit. One recent accident actually demolished one of the lights. Despite constant requests over many years no crossing has been installed in Mickley Square where the need is probably even greater. 

On some sections of the road through the village, central reservations have been built to make crossing the road easier. These also make it more difficult for vehicles to overtake and so have some effect on controlling traffic speed. Installing more of these for the whole length of the village would be a quick and easy way to exert some control on traffic speed and prevent overtaking.

What measures should be taken pre-empt a serious or fatal accident?

1. Additional crossings with traffic lights.

2. Traffic lights at the cross-roads with Station Bank.

3. More central reservations through the whole village.

4. A speed camera along the section  of road near to the school.

5. An automatic speed warning sign, such as the ones installed in Horsley village or in Ryton.

Should one or more of the above be introduced, or do you have suggestions for other measures that could be taken?

E-mail your views to traffic@mickley.plus.com