NEW no-car lanes went into operation in two of the busiest streets in Newcastle city centre yesterday.

A package of measures came into force, including the introduction of new traffic management plans aimed at reducing congestion on Percy Street and Gallowgate.

It is hoped the measures help to reduce the number of vehicles using Percy Street as a through route.

Unlike existing no-car lanes in the city, those on Percy Street will operate on the centre lane in each direction, which is believed to be a more practical solution on a road where buses need to turn right into Eldon Bus Concourse and Haymarket Bus Station.

Other changes which also came into effect yesterday include access and exit arrangements to Eldon Square multi-storey car park and Eldon Garden multi-storey car park.