A village is getting a bus lane camera to stop drivers using the area as a rat run during rush hour.
Families in West Allotment have been calling for safety measures to help protect pedestrians from motorists cutting through Benton Road and Holyfields to get to the Cobalt Business Park.
Campaigners estimated that around 500 to 600 vehicles were going through the village between 8am and 9am every day to avoid queues on the A191. One morning, they counted more than 860 cars.
They said the constant stream of vehicles made it difficult for parents to cross the roads as they took their children to school and this was putting the youngsters at risk.
Now North Tyneside Council has started work to introduce safety measures in the area.
A temporary 'bus gate' is being installed on Benton Road, between the junctions of Murrayfields and Holyfields - a route used by schoolchildren.
Access will be restricted to vehicles entering the estate by this route between 8am and 9am, Monday to Friday. Residents in Murrayfields will be exempt from enforcement if they are leaving the estate.
This will be enforced using a camera and any unauthorised cars passing through will receive a penalty charge notice.
Access to West Allotment from the A191 via Holyfields will remain unaffected.
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Mayor Norma Redfearn said: "We have worked hard to understand the problems and listened to the concerns raised by local people.
"We have also worked closely with the local school to give pupils important training to help them stay safe and I would urge drivers to do their bit and please take care on the roads.
"The safety of our residents is one of my top priorities and this is another example of our commitment to being a listening and caring council which works better for its residents."
The plan will also address concerns about red light jumping on the Holystone roundabout.
The council has reviewed and changed traffic signal times and increased the length of time allowed for pedestrians to cross.
Meanwhile, the authority is also putting in a new pedestrian crossing along Station Road in Backworth to assist pupils coming from the Moorside estate to Backworth Park Primary School.
In addition, there will be pedestrian crossing training for pupils at Holystone Primary through the council’s GoSmarter initiative.
And a school crossing patrol officer has been temporarily introduced along Benton Road to help children go to school safely.
The officer, who has been relocated from outside the primary school where a zebra crossing has recently been installed, will remain in their new position until the bus lane is in place.
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