(26 May 2015, 2:08 pm)Andreos1 wrote Or, how about little ferries, which would accept cars?
Works well in the Netherlands and to an extent the same across the Clyde from Gourock to Dunoon.

Granted, the flow wouldn't be as significant as a bridge, but could work and be significantly cheaper.

The old passenger only ferries on the Tyne, all vanished (apart from the Shields one), but one that accepted cars hasn't been tried as far as I am aware.

I believe that would work in place of the Shields ferry, and perhaps between Hebburn and Walker - the return of the old mid-Tyne ferry - but I can't see it working between Paradise and Metrocentre. A bridge between the latter two points has been in the pipeline for quite some time with various organisations being interested in its development. However, much like the Leamside Line, nobody is willing to provide the initial funding to kickstart the project. Someday it may come to fruition but I won't hold my breath. 

It is briefly discussed here: 
http://www.bridgesonthetyne.co.uk/others.html

I beleive there are other documents available online which also discuss this the project. There may also be other documentation at either Gateshead or Newcastle library - I can't remember which.