Red route gets the green light

Traffic wardens were out in force as traffic flowed freely along the A449 Stafford Road ready to fine drivers who disobeyed the strict no-stopping rules.

And while some welcomed its launch, traders fear they will be put out of business because cars cannot stop outside their firms.

Kalvinder Bahia, owner of Lifestyle Newsagents in Stafford Road, said he had noticed a significant drop in customers and was concerned for his firm's future.

"This will have a massive impact on trade and it's a real concern as times are hard anyway," said the 47-year-old. "We have had about 35 per cent less customers than usual today as people have nowhere to park.

"Our main hours of trade are early mornings but if customers can't park then they will go somewhere else."

But Karen Carter, 40, from Merridale, and Alison Facey, 37, from Moseley Green, who escort the walking bus to and from St Anthony's and Elston Hall Primary School could see the benefits of the scheme.

"The flow of traffic has improved and from a pedestrian's point of view, there seems no problems at all," said Karen.

"Those parents who drop their children off at school may have a few difficulties though as they will have to park elsewhere."

More than seven miles of carriageway have been repainted and 250 signs erected along the A449 as part of the scheme.

Drivers are still able to park in some designated parts of the red route for up to two hours between 10am and 4pm.

But anyone parking illegally will get a £60 fixed penalty fine.

City regeneration boss Councillor Peter Bilson said he was pleased to hear traffic was free-flowing.

"Congestion along this stretch has long been a concern," he said. "The Stafford Road is a dual carriageway so it makes no sense to lose one lane because of people parking indiscriminately."

He also defended the cost of the scheme by pointing out money had been spent on surface improvements and kerb realignment.