This is how much Sunderland city centre traffic levels are going up by as lockdown eases

Official calculations show they have jumped back to more than half what they were in the final week before the March 23 lockdown began.

Vehicle movements in both directions over the Wearmouth Bridge and along nearby St Mary’s Boulevard initially fell by nearly two-thirds in the first full week after the nationwide restrictions were introduced. In the case of Wearmouth Bridge, this equated to a reduction from 25,566 journeys in the week before the lockdown to 9,675 by April 6.

In St Mary’s Boulevard, the daily average number of movements fell from 26,764 to 10,032 over the same period.

The latest Sunderland City Council figures now show that St Mary’s Boulevard vehicle journeys have now increased back to 13,948 by the start of May.

While restrictions may have been eased earlier this week, the rise has prompted the authority to urge motorists to still question whether “your journey in a vehicle is really necessary”.

Council cabinet member for environment and transport, Councillor Amy Wilson, said: "While traffic flows have increased, possibly as some people go back to work, they are still half of what they were before the lockdown as residents follow the Stay Safe guidance and continue to support the restrictions.

"There are still many points to consider before you leave the house and travel."Ask yourself is your journey in a vehicle really necessary?

“Advice about working from home where possible has not changed and, if you can, please shop locally and shop less frequently."

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