RFTL members "have penned an open letter to local election candidates saying they are “seriously concerned” about the local opposition to the LTN scheme – and calling for the scheme to be continued in the name of cutting air pollution and the health problems it causes."

Meanwhile, a group of child health professionals have penned an open letter to local election candidates saying they are “seriously concerned” about the local opposition to the LTN scheme – and calling for the scheme to be continued in the name of cutting air pollution and the health problems it causes.

The Ride For Their Lives group, which includes practising and retired medics from Newcastle and Northumberland, wrote: “Means of limiting car traffic are few and some, such as increasing road tax, putting up petrol prices and congestion charging are both unpopular and will require central government action. Evidence from other LTNs round the country show that their popularity increases with time and that there is not increased congestion on the borders of the scheme.

“It is also worth emphasising that no resident is prevented from driving to their house in an LTN, though the journey may take a little longer – usually not more than ten minutes. Surely this is a small price to pay for the proven benefits to our children’s health and wellbeing.

"The current scheme is being run on an experimental basis and consultation is ongoing during the first six months. We health professionals call on the council and all prospective councillors to continue with this essential scheme and on residents to consider the wider long term benefits."