Red route on the way
A controversial new red route earmarked for one of the Black Country's busiest roads was today forging ahead – despite widespread opposition to neighbouring schemes.
Residents, traders and motorists were today being quizzed on the plans for the A461 in Tipton from Great Bridge and through Dudley Port to the border with Dudley.
The scheme will see motorists banned from stopping along the roadside in a bid to ease nightmare queues during rush hour.
More than £1 million will be spent painting red lines, erecting new signs and creating parking bays along the two-mile stretch between Navigation Roundabout where the A461 meets the A41 Black Country New Road, up to the notorious Burnt Tree Island on the Dudley border, at the junction with the A4123 Birmingham New Road.
But Sandwell Council is already facing criticism from residents and traders in other areas where the schemes are planned.
The authority is spending £8.6m developing the congestion-busting scheme in seven locations.
Two red routes are already in place along a stretch of the A41 and the A34 Birmingham Road in Great Barr. Plans are also afoot for schemes along the A457 Sedgley Road and Dudley Road, as well as the All Saints Way and Newton Road.
Sandwell Council transport chief Councillor Bob Badham today said the authority was "committed" to introducing the scheme around the borough."
Large scale plans were today on display on an exhibition bus in the car park of Somerfield in Dudley Port, which will return on Tuesday between midday and 8pm.
