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Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Hannah Graham

Eerie footage shows North East roads almost deserted as lockdown enters second month

It's a sight seldom seen.

Some of the North East's busiest roads almost devoid of cars, with just a few people making trips at what would normally be a busy time.

While making essential journeys, our photographer Claire McKie-Reid captured this timelapse using dashcam footage from her car.

Strict lockdown rules are still in place, making it illegal to travel without reasonable excuse, including for vital shopping, work that can't be done at home, and daily exercise which should ideally be taken within walking or cycling distance from your home.

And this sped-up footage of near-silent roads suggests the message is getting through to people in the North East.

The city centre was slightly busier, with a few cars making what we hope were unavoidable trips. But parts of the A1 were quieter than many of us have ever seen during the day on what would otherwise be an ordinary weekend.

It's rare to cross the Tyne Bridge at peak times without being caught in traffic, but now those few who do have to travel can cross in moments as the usually packed bridge is almost free of cars.

The footage comes as health experts warn that some people may be being tempted to break lockdown rules. But images and video from across Newcastle and Gateshead suggests the vast majority of people in the area are following government instructions.

As the deaths from coronavirus pass 20,000, this rules are more important than ever, as people are urged to keep roads and public transport clear for those key workers who can't avoid leaving home.

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