Drivers confused by new one-way layout

Motorists are driving the wrong way around a Black Country town centre because they are being confused by a new one-way system.

Police say they have been bombarded by complaints and want to make drivers aware of the new road layout in Coseley. It was introduced in October and since then cars have been heading in the wrong direction in Roseville because traders say the signage is not clear. Among those complaining is Del Bunce, 43, who runs Equal Partners Hair Studio.

In a letter to police Mr Bunce, whose premises are based on the corner of Castle Street and School Street West, also said some drivers are simply ignoring the signs.

He said: "When anyone is trying to cross the road you still have to look both ways as on a number of occasions both myself, customers and my partner have had near misses with traffic coming in the wrong direction.

"This matter may seem trivial but something needs doing before a serious accident or even death."

Inspector Victoria Willis, from Sedgley, approached the Express & Star to try to alert drivers to the one-way system.

She said: "We have had a lot of complaints about people driving the wrong way down the street. The issue has been raised at the Police and Communities Together meeting. People are saying the signage is not particularly good and is causing confusion.

"I think the whole road layout is difficult if hitting it for the first time. We will will enforce breaches of the law and do take that seriously.

"But we don't have the resources to have an officer posted there all the time."

Insp Willis said police have raised the complaints with Dudley Council highways.

Dudley Council's cabinet member for transportation, Councillor Angus Adams, said he would ask highways to look again at the signage.

He said: "I can't believe it is not up to standard but we will certainly look again at it.

"It does concern me to hear drivers are confused by the signage or ignoring it," he added.