10mph plan to improve safety

Traffic lights, kerbs and road signs could be removed from Black Country town centres - and replaced by a speed limit of as low as 10mph.

A pilot scheme is being considered for Aldridge in which motorists will be required to slow to a crawling pace to protect pedestrians. Based on the Dutch Woonerf system, it could be adopted all over the region if it proves successful.

Walsall Council is considering bringing in the system within the next two years.

Around 6,000 similar schemes are in place in Holland and statistics suggest they are playing an important role in cutting down on accidents.

The move would see a speed limit of between 10 and 20mph introduced and street furniture such as traffic lines, kerbs, signs and signals removed.

It would force motorists to take responsibility and consider other road users.

Councillor Anthony Harris, cabinet member for transport, says the idea is a concept in its early stages but sees Aldridge as a perfect town to apply the Dutch principle.

He said: "It is all about the motorist being responsible for their own actions.

"I am confident this can work. I think Aldridge has a perfect design to be incorporated into this."