Wolverhampton traffic cameras set for green light as part of £176k scheme

Transport bosses are spending more than £170,000 to place cameras in major routes in the city, as well as electronic advice signs similar to those seen on motorways.

The project - similar to schemes which will be introduced elsewhere in the Black Country - will see traffic flows monitored throughout the day, across Wolverhampton.

But bosses have insisted that any surveillance won't be used by police for enforcement action - yet.

A report to Wolverhampton City Council said that should police wish to get involved in the scheme, transport chiefs would have to consider the request.

Penn Road, Chapel Ash, Bilston Road, Stafford Road, Willenhall Road, Birmingham Road and the Black Country Route will have cameras installed as part of the scheme.

Cameras will monitor any delays or large volumes of traffic.

And problems will be flagged up on electronic message boards which are dotted around the city, showing how long journey times will take, as currently seen on motorways such as the M6.

The plans are expected to be rubber stamped at a meeting of the city council's cabinet next week.

A report to the authority said: "The system will be used for traffic management and not enforcement purposes, however, should the police request use of the system for enforcement, a further report will be submitted for consideration.

"The system is designed to monitor traffic congestion on key arterial routes, reduce congestion and improve the traffic management infrastructure by enhancing the provision of traffic and travel information.

"Drivers have the ability to make informed decisions to reroute, as the information provided on the roadside VMS (variable message sign) displays the routes average real time journey time."

It is one of a number of West Midlands councils involved in the scheme including, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry.

The city council says the six-figure sum will go on the purchase of cameras, system design, installation and commissioning as well as information signage.

The report goes on to say: "Due to the sensitive nature and privacy concerns of the use of CCTV in public areas. Information signs will also be installed on all lamp columns with a traffic surveillance camera to outline the purpose of the scheme. The same signs will be used by all seven West Midlands authorities to give consistency."

The cameras will be connected via the wireless telecommunication system which is being installed across Wolverhampton as part of the UTCMS project.

In total Wolverhampton Council will use £173,250 of £26.6 million Department for Transport funding that went to Urban Traffic Control Major Scheme (UTCMS).

Wolverhampton Road East, High Street in Moxley and Birmingham New Road will also be included in the traffic project.