A busy junction where drivers are putting children at potential risk with their "dangerous" driving could see a crackdown.
Safety concerns have been raised about the Christon Road and Great North Road junction in Gosforth, which is close to several local schools and where children regularly cross the road.
The yellow box junction is regularly blocked by cars resulting in some drivers using the wrong side of the road to turn, and potentially putting unsuspecting pedestrians at risk.
Now Newcastle City Council have asked the people of Gosforth about proposals that would see them take on additional traffic enforcement responsibilities in the area..
Brian Moore lives in the area and is a former councillor. Although he's pleased the council are taking action, he said it has been a long time coming.
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He said: "How a child has not been injured or killed we simply do not know" and added that he wants to see the council enforce the rules on stopping in the yellow box at the junction.
He went on to say: "The junction is at the end of my street and how there hasn't been more major incidents I do not know. There are two schools and a major industrial estate nearby which create so much demand on the road.
"People drive up the wrong side and totally block the road. It is absolute mayhem. I have spoken to parents in the area who are concerned for their children's safety and people are simply not adhering to the law.
"It is good to see that something is being done as it is a massive problem. There has been attempts in the past to try and make the area into a low traffic neighbourhood but this has been unsuccessful."
There is an ongoing six-week consultation process that will take place before the council make a decision as to whether to request the enforcement powers from the Government.
The powers in question cover a range of regulations, including yellow junction boxes, that are currently the responsibility of the police. If drivers are caught on camera breaking traffic regulations, such as blocking a yellow box, then they will be sent a penalty charge notice in the post.
The Government are asking local councils to put in applications to be granted these powers and the location chosen by Newcastle City Council has been the Christon Road and Great North Road junction.
Newcastle City Council member Jane Byrne has explained why enforcement is essential at this junction in particular.
She said: “We’ve received a lot of feedback from local people about how the box junction regularly becomes blocked, resulting in some drivers using the wrong side of the road to turn right out of Christon Road, including when the pedestrian crossing lights are green.
“There are a number of local schools nearby and these issues at the junction often occur at times when children are walking to school and using these pedestrian crossings. We think that enforcement at this junction would help to reduce the number of dangerous manoeuvres by impatient drivers, making the area safer for everyone, particularly schoolchildren.
“We want to know whether people agree with this or whether they have any alternative suggestions about how we could manage traffic at this location without using enforcement."
Liberal Democrat councillor Tom Woodward also thinks the road's safety needed to be addressed for some time.
He said: "This is a problem that has been boiling up for a long time. The complaints about this junction have been building and building and in recent times there has been a massive spike in issues.
"This does need addressing and the council are doing that which is good. The method is a strange one and I think better communication with residents would make it a more smooth process.
"The main problem in my view is the drivers not following the highway code and continuing to put people in danger with their actions at this junction."
People will have six weeks to take part in the consultation and have their say, before the council decide whether to apply. In future, the plan is to look at other locations across the city if the enforcement powers are granted.
This will run until Friday January 27 and people can take part through this link: www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk
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