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A bus lane in Gateshead, where penalties have spiked following the closure of the Gateshead Flyover, has emerged as the town's prime spot for fines.

ChronicleLive readers have been discussing the situation in our comments section.

The closure of the nearby A167 flyover last December has coincided with a significant increase in penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued to drivers violating the High West Street bus gate restrictions in Gateshead town centre. Earlier this month, Gateshead Council was urged to make the bus lane more conspicuous for drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with the town centre's roads, who are now using the route due to the ongoing closure of the flyover.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has now disclosed that the High West Street bus gate generated more PCNs and revenue for the council in 2024/25 than the bus lanes on Askew Road and South Shore Road.

Council data reveals that an average of 578 PCNs were issued monthly from the northbound High West Street bus gate between April and November of the previous year. However, these figures soared to 1,617 in December, 1,524 in January, 1,231 in February, and 1,245 in March – the months following the closure of the flyover.

Neal Tinkler, a resident of Birtley, recently expressed to the LDRS........

© Chronicle Live