21 March 2002
New crossing gives Tyne Tunnels excellent prospects for improvement
The Tyne Tunnels provide a fair service to customers but have excellent prospects for improvement with the development of the new crossing, an Audit Commission Best Value inspection report has concluded.
The inspectors particularly noted the improvements the New Tyne Crossing will make to safety with each tunnel carrying traffic in only one direction and to the better flow of traffic by reducing delays and congestion.
Their report says: the major, long term improvement to the tunnels service is dependent on the opening of the second tunnel.
The Tyne Tunnels are the responsibility of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA). Its deputy vice chair Coun Tom Hanson said: We are delighted with the inspectors findings. In particular, we are pleased that they acknowledge the key role the New Tyne Crossing will make to the delivery of a much improved service to our customers, including the prospect for better public transport.
The PTA has begun to implement the recommendations in the Best Value report for short-to-medium term improvement measures. And we agree with the conclusion that until the PTA can meet the traffic demand at the tunnel, the service we provide can be no better than fair. We look forward to the day when the New Tyne Crossing will allow the inspectors to assess the Tyne Tunnels as providing an excellent service.
Best Value aims to improve standards for the delivery of services by local authorities through a thorough examination of how they are delivered, their value for money and, most importantly, how they meet the public's expectations and requirements.
The Best Value report made a number of recommendations about how the Tyne Tunnels can improve service including increased environmental monitoring, automation of toll collection, improved traffic management at the north end of the tunnel and better signage, including foreign language versions.
The PTA is applying to the Secretary of State in April for the necessary powers to construct the 138 million New Tyne Crossing, which will effectively complete the dualling of the A19 between Northumberland and North Yorkshire. A Public Inquiry is expected at the end of the year.
Construction is expected to begin in 2004 with the new tunnel opening in 2007.
Issued
on behalf of the PTA by Bradley O'Mahoney Public Relations Contact Richard
Simpson or Clare Maxwell on 0191 281 8833