Proposals to try to solve traffic issues unveiled

The plans for Alnmouth have been drawn up by Northumberland County Council and suggestions to ease the traffic problems include a residents’ parking scheme and the creation of extra parking spaces.

The ideas, which were displayed in the Hindmarsh Hall on Tuesday, come on the back of a passionate public meeting which was held last year, where locals voiced their discontent at the current situation and called for some sort of action.

Two one-way system proposals have been put forward.

The first (clockwise) would direct traffic entering the village left at The Wynd, down Marine Road past Alnmouth Golf Club and out of the village via Northumberland Street. Riverside Road and Argyle Street would be a combination of one-way and two-way traffic. This plan would also require bus stop relocation.

The second (anti-clockwise) would instead direct drivers entering the village down Northumberland Street, going back up Marine Road and coming out at The Wynd. Argyle Street and Riverside Road would again be a mix of one-way and two-way.

A plan featuring various parking bays and double-yellow lines in various parts of the village – as well as numerous cycle bays and disabled spaces in Northumberland Street – would run alongside a one-way system.

Another proposal is a resident permit holders scheme on Argyle Street, while car-park levelling and new/extended car-parking in various parts of the village has been proposed. New parking signage has also been mooted.

After seeing the plans, a number of residents had a mix of views, with some in favour of a one-way system – although opinion was split on the preferred direction of the traffic – while others were against.

One opponent of a one-way system, who did not want to be named, said he feared that it could lead to increased traffic speeds.

Of the residents that spoke to the Gazette, all welcomed the proposal to introduce a residents’ parking scheme in Argyle Street, saying it was badly needed.