Opportunities for Local Movement
The problems currently experienced by those wishing to move within and around the Gateshead Regeneration Framework area provide opportunities for making real improvements. Within the limits of the three principal physical constraints – the Tyne, the level difference and the railway – opportunities exist to address all of the identified problems in some measure. It must be recognised, though, that some issues are likely to be more satisfactorily addressed than others – for example, because whatever is done, cycling between the Quays and the Town Centre is never going to be as attractive as cycling in a relatively flatter area such as Cambridge or even York.
An opportunity exists to build upon the existing resources available, and to continue to pursue those items already being considered. For example, frequency improvements in the Metro and bus services, together with more bus priority and measures to increase the speed and reliability of these services, may not require any significant new programme to be undertaken, but can be achieved organically. Similarly, the closure of High Level Bridge to provide a priority bus corridor between Newcastle and Gateshead, which is being considered, complements the vision for attractive sustainable transport. The proposed Quayside Transit and Centrelink are further examples of existing initiatives which could contribute, perhaps by assisting penetration into newly regenerated areas.
Opportunities also exist, however, for new more radical solutions, to overcome the level difference between the Quays and the Town Centre. Walking and cycling between these two areas could be made more attractive to the able-bodied through a combination of physical and psychological measures, although it will never be very attractive. A mechanical link could overcome this physical obstacle and at the same time, provide an attraction in its own right.
Pedestrian and cyclist movement between the Town Centre and the Business Park are hindered by wide roads with fencing, and heavy traffic flows. Shifting the current bias from traffic priority to pedestrian priority in these areas will help ensure that the private car is not the only realistic travel option; the existing Gateshead Interchange is well served and connecting that hub with direct walking routes under the railway should help encourage more sustainable travel patterns.
