Calls for traffic review after Amble congestion over bank holiday weekend

Following a busy weekend during the Amble Puffin Festival, residents have highlighted issues around congestion on the roads causing inappropriate parking.

One resident said: “Amble is gridlocked yet again but worse than ever people are parking in private estates, on grass verges, anywhere, because there isn't enough parking and it's a free for all.

"Please see attached only a few incidents of horrible parking and streets that are usually quiet being rammed.

“I've tried for two years to get help off the council and year after year they say they can't help.”

In a post to Facebook, Amble Cllr Arty Hume wrote: “Once again, we are seeing congestion in our town at an unacceptable level, along with inconsiderate parking throughout Amble.

"Today I witnessed an ambulance struggling to make its way along Dilston Terrace, past the roundabout, and becoming stuck in Percy Street. This is simply not acceptable.

"There needs to be a review of the current traffic system to improve the flow of vehicles through the town. We also need increased traffic enforcement, including more traffic wardens, which would certainly have helped during this busy weekend.”

A spokesperson from Northumberland County Council (NCC) commented: “Our parking team received an event notification form from the organisers who described the event as a repeat community activity, with no anticipated significant increase in traffic volume.

“It also stated that there was no expected risk of congestion, no requirement for traffic management measures, and that sufficient parking provision was available within existing car parks.

“Based on previous years events where we have had no adverse feedback and the information given, it was felt that no specific action was required from our parking services.

“It’s likely that the issues observed were influenced by the exceptionally good weather over the bank holiday weekend with lots of people coming for a day out to attractions and beaches along the Northumberland coast.”

Some residents also highlighted that the Town Square public toilets were closed for use over the weekend.

NCC added: "Due to inappropriate items being put into the toilets the facilities in the square became blocked and had to be closed on Saturday afternoon. We were unable to unblock the toilets until Tuesday morning. “