New 20mph zones introduced after complaints of speeding increases during pandemic

Since the start of the pandemic, councillors have seen an increase in complaints from residents about speeding vehicles.

It’s seen Sunderland City Council introduce a number of new 20mph zones, mainly around schools, with that programme continuing to be rolled out around the city.

One of the biggest extensions proposed in St Michael’s ward covers the Hill View area. It includes the existing 20mph zones near to Hill View’s Infant and Junior Schools, but also extends to cover the whole of the Hill View estate, including Westheath Avenue.

The 20mph limit will also be extended along Ashbrooke Road, for Ashbrooke School, and Thornholme Road, for Thornhill School.

Accident blackspots are also being looked at.

The Council’s East Area committee, which includes St Michael’s Ward, has set up a task group to discuss what additional measures can be taken to slow traffic and make roads safer.

Cllr Peter Wood, who represents the ward on the group, said: “Two areas in St Michael’s we are looking at are Essen Way and The Cloisters (Mowbray Road) near to its junction with Tunstall Vale and Ashbrooke Road where there have been a number of accidents, including the demolition of the same wall in the same place twice.

"You have a lot of speeding up the bank and people can’t necessarily see what’s on the top of the bank.”

He added: "For Essen Way we are asking for a fixed speed camera. At The Cloisters / Tunstall Vale crossroads we are looking at speed cushions combined with a 20mph limit. Since the start of the pandemic traffic has been going faster. We need to slow it down.”

Cllr Michael Dixon, also of St Michael’s Ward, said: “We can do as much as we can, but it is also up to drivers to show responsibility in a very built up area, and we hope these measures will help.”

Portfolio Holder for Dynamic City, Cllr Rebecca Atkinson, said: “Sunderland City Council is currently carrying out a programme of introducing area 20mph zones.

"Public engagement has recently been carried out in areas of Pennywell, Seaburn and Hill View to introduce new 20mph zones, the majority of residents in these areas were in favour of the schemes progressing and these will now follow the statutory legal process before being implemented.

"Two further areas, Oxclose and Hall Farm, remain in the current programme and officers are considering additional areas for future phases that will be subject to further consultation.”

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