A South Gosforth motorist has launched a scathing attack on Gateshead Council after being issued a penalty charge notice for driving through a town centre bus lane, insisting he was left with “no alternative.”
Gerard Mouille, 69, found himself in hot water on the night of September 11 while attempting to leave the Tesco Extra car park in Gateshead. According to Mr. Mouille, confusion over road signage—compounded by ongoing works related to the demolition of the A167 flyover—led him into the bus lane on the northbound High Street.
The pensioner, who was attempting to return home, claims he circled the area in search of an exit route but was repeatedly funneled back toward the same restricted point. “I turned left towards the Tesco car park to go round again, thinking I had made a mistake, and I ended up at the same place,” Mr. Mouille explained. “At the bus gate traffic lights, many vehicles were waiting for the green light. I decided I had no choice; I needed to go home through the Tyne Bridge, and I went through the gate.”
He noted that he was far from alone in the maneuver, pointing to a queue of other frustrated drivers who had followed the same path. “There were no taxis or buses going through, just normal vehicles,” he added. “If so many vehicles and drivers have been committing that kind of infraction, there must have been a problem there.”
Gateshead Council has defended its road management, stating that a specific diversion was in place that evening due to the closure of the Park Lane roundabout ahead of the Great North Run. A council spokesperson confirmed that the diversion was publicised on social media and that signage was installed to direct motorists.
“Motorists using Charles Street were signposted to use High Street and Jackson Street to circle back to the Bensham roundabout,” the spokesperson said, adding that the local authority had also modified the layout of Lambton Street in June specifically to help drivers exiting the Trinity Square car park avoid complex traffic loops.
For now, Mr. Mouille faces a potential fine of up to £70, which is halved if paid within 21 days. While he admits to entering the lane, he maintains that the confusion caused by the signage made the infraction essentially unavoidable. The council has reminded affected motorists that those who believe signage was inadequate have the formal right to appeal any Penalty Charge Notice they receive.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between local authorities and motorists navigating significant road infrastructure changes in the region, with the council standing by its signage while residents continue to call for better clarity during periods of disruption.
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