The following is the reply we received from Gateshead council regarding the junction of Shibdon road and Axwell Park estate.
To whom it may concern
TI 720 Junction of Shibdon Road and Axwell Park Estate
I write in reply to the above issue where residents in the Axwell Park Estate raised concerns about speeding on Shibdon Road near to the junction with Axwell Park Estate.
The council did arrange for 2no. speed survey to be carried out either side of the junction, Below are the results of the speed survey which are based on an 18hour 7 day period.
| Position 1 (North of junction with Axwell Park) | ||
| Direction | Traffic Volume | 85%ile |
| Southbound | 6608 | 36 |
| Northbound | 6853 | 36.5 |
| Position 2 (South of junction with Axwell Park) | ||
| Direction | Traffic Volume | 85%ile |
| Southbound | 6739 | 32.7 |
| Northbound | 6964 | 34.7 |
To explain about the 85th percentile figures, these represent the speed at or below which 85% of free flowing traffic is travelling (i.e. 17 out of every 20 vehicles). This is the common criteria used by Traffic Engineers and Police throughout the country when assessing traffic speeds as directed in guidelines set down by The Department for Transport.
The ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) guidance tells us that the Police will consider enforcement at a threshold of 10% + 2mph above the speed limit; this threshold is set in order for the Police to be able to manage and prioritise the sheer volume inquiries they have.
In brief, the 85th percentile speeds recorded in one direction does indicate that vehicles are driving in excess of the current speed limit which is 30mph.
I also checked the Northumbria police recorded accident data for the immediate area and can confirm that within the last 5 years there has been no recorded incidents in the vicinity of the road junction.
With regards as to whether traffic calming could be introduced onto the junction of Axwell Park, the council is currently carrying out the installation of traffic calming measures in association with the creation of 20 zones and 20 limits and unfortunately, the area in question is not on the councils current programme to become a 20 zone. I will however note this concern for consideration when the 20 mph programme is reassessed.
In the mean time I will however refer the matter to the police to undertake enforcement action in the area.
I hope this email answers your query regarding this matter.
Regards
Andrew Devlin BSc(Hons) MCIHT
Assistant Engineer
Gateshead Council
Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities
HIghways and Waste
Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE8 1HH
E-mail – AndrewDevlin@Gateshead.gov.uk
Mob No. 07541612275