Traders fear worst over parking blitz

A new team of traffic wardens were beginning their blitz on illegal parking in a Black Country town today – amid fears the system could harm traders.

The number of wardens on the streets of Walsall will rise from eight to 25, as the council becomes the last in the region to take over the responsibility for on-street parking from police.

The new rules are estimated to net the council £3 million a year, but transport chiefs insisted today they were not designed to be a money-spinner.

And traders say the painting of double yellow lines on roads previously unmarked, and new signage, could hit them hard.

Shopkeepers in Norton Road, Pelsall, say 'no parking' signs put up along a service road that links them with the High Street will deter shoppers.

John Lewis, who runs Snap Decisions sandwich shop, said customers for all 10 shops along the row had parked along the service road without any problems since he opened 15 years ago.

"There have always been double-yellow lines on one side and single lines on the other and people have always parked on the single lines," he said.

"It's never caused any complaints whatsoever and is vital for the shops here. But now we've got these signs saying no parking between 8.30am and 6pm.

"Well, those are our business hours and without that parking I don't know what we'll do. It seems like the council don't care about small businesses like us and just want shops with massive car parks. It's easy money for them."

The move is being introduced in a bid to free-up police officers to tackle priority crime.

Under the new system, motorists found flouting rules will be hit with fines of £50 and £70.

Paul Leighton, Walsall Council's head of traffic, said the move was essential to help stop traffic congestion building up.