56 parking warnings issued on West Brom match day

A total of 56 drivers were issued with warning notices on the first match day after red route restrictions were introduced near to the West Bromwich Albion ground, it was revealed today.

The new scheme came into force on August 16 as part of an £8.6 million borough-wide plan to ease traffic congestion, improve traffic flow and make better provision for legal parking.

The Baggies took on Liverpool at The Hawthorns for the first game of the new season last Saturday – the first time match-goers would be affected by the restrictions.

Sandwell Council today revealed it handed out 56 warning notices. A further 49 "live" notices were also given to drivers who had parked on the existing red route.

Transport chiefs also left leaflets on all the vehicles parked along the route although they were parked correctly to ensure drivers were informed of the new regulations.

Drivers given advisory notices will not face charges as the penalty charges will not be fully enforced until September 3.

Cabinet member for neighbourhood services Councillor Ian Jones said: "We will be giving drivers plenty of notice until the restrictions comes into force fully. These improvements will make life easier for many roads users and safer for pedestrians."

The new no-stopping restrictions have come into force along key roads in West Bromwich and Oldbury. The roads affected are Kenrick Way, Telford Way, Trinity Way, Kelvin Way, Bromford Road, Oldbury Ringway and Churchbridge. There will be clearly designated areas for parking and loading along these roads, including provision for parking on Baggies match days.

Extra parking on Albion match days is also available at Lewisham Park off Dartmouth Road. The red route will initially be in force for 18 months. The council will then decide if any changes are needed before making the order permanent.

Council bosses are still assessing the impact of a a red route which runs between Tipton and Oldbury.

The experimental scheme came into force along the A457 in July last year. The red route order is in place for 18 months before a final decision is made on its future. The introduction of the double red line restrictions marked the final stretch of the red route along the A457 corridor between Sedgley Road West and Oldbury Ringway.