Calls to reintroduce trams to serve communities

Drafts for a new tram system around areas including Newcastle's Quayside were made in the early 2000s

Trams should be reintroduced to parts of the North East not currently served by the Metro, campaigners have said.

North East Public Transport Users Group (NEPTUG) said a new system could operate in heavily populated areas like Newcastle's West End, Bensham in Gateshead and the south of Sunderland.

A spokesperson said communities there could "easily be provided with a fast and attractive" service, and urged leaders to consider the option.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said she had ambitious plans for the region's transport but trams were currently not being considered.

NEPTUG said plans for trams in areas such as Team Valley in Gateshead had been drafted in the early 2000s but later dropped.

The project would have brought up to 60 miles of tram lines to areas including Newcastle's Quayside, the Metrocentre and Washington, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The renewed calls followed the publication of a report by groups Britain Remade and Create Streets, which suggested the government should set up new tram systems as they "combine the capacity advantages of trains with the immediacy and lower cost of buses".

"If we are to decarbonise transport, cut air pollution, and boost urban productivity and growth then reliable and fast public transport is critical," said Nicolas Boys Smith, from Create Streets.

Tram networks were widespread in areas including Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland until the 1950s.

A NEPTUG spokesperson said: "We encourage the North East Combined Authority to think again about the benefits of trams as part of an integrated transport system for our region."

Labour's Ms McGuinness, who as mayor holds regional transport powers, said: "While we are a big fan of trams, they are not part of my immediate plans."

She said her priorities were expanding the Metro to Washington and reopening the Leamside Line.

She said in the long term her team would consider "all options" to improve public transport connections, including tram systems.