Opposition to loss of traffic notices in local newspapers

Concerns have been raised about proposals to remove the requirement for traffic orders to be published in local newspapers.

The Express & Star has called on local MPs to support its opposition to plans to let councils stop placing public notices on changes to road regulations in papers like the Express & Star.

Business leaders and pensioners have also expressed concerns that the changes will mean people will not know where to get details of closures and other roadworks.

The Department for Transport believes councils across the country could save £20 million a year. It plans to let authorities use "whatever ways they consider appropriate" such as Facebook, Twitter and their own websites. The editors of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star have written to local MPs to highlight the issue.

Express & Star editor Adrian Faber said: "We believe the communities we serve have the right to know about changes and developments in their locality.

"These proposals are not just a matter of revenues to regional publishers but an issue of public information.

"Local newspapers remain the trusted source of public information for our readers, many of whom will not have access to new media. We have asked the MPs for their views and hope they will lend their support by registering with the Department of Transport their concerns about public access to these notices."

Colin Leighfield, chairman of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce transport policy group, said: "The current system is not perfect but the use of newspapers is extremely helpful and we would be concerned if this were removed."

John Mellor, president of the Wolverhampton branch of the National Pensioners' Convention, said: "It has been traditional in living memory for councils to inform people in their local newspapers about road changes.

"That is where people know to look for them, not hidden away on a website that only a few would think to visit."

But transport minister Norman Baker said: "It is right that residents and businesses are told about changes to their local roads. But councils and the Highways Agency should have freedom to use local knowledge to decide how best to do this rather than being forced to spend taxpayers' money on indiscriminate advertising."

* If you are concerned about the proposals, email letters@expressandstar.co.uk