Businesses angry at 'no-waiting' zones in Sandwell problem roads

Sandwell Council is proposing to make several roads no-waiting zones to help improve safety and traffic-flow in problem areas in a crackdown on 'unsafe, illegal and inconsiderate parking'.

But drivers have hit out at the proposals, with a number of people unhappy about the impact the changes will have.

Highways bosses are proposing to bring in the Traffic Regulation Orders at the junction of Coopers Lane and Green Street in Smethwick, parts of Waterfall Lane, Cradley Heath, Tat Bank Road and Stone Road, Oldbury, and Westmead Drive, Oldbury. A residents parking scheme is also planned for Sydney Road, Cradley Heath.

Several people have contacted the council regarding the changes but council chiefs insist the changes will improve road safety.

Businesses in Tat Bank Road and Stone Street, Oldbury, have been particularly irritated by the proposals, with a letter of objection containing five signatures sent.

Companies feel the new measures will cause congestion and make parking difficult. They say they rely on customers being able to park and additional restrictions is not the answer.

But the council said there had been requests for parking restrictions in the area as heavy goods vehicles often find their path blocked, and say the changes will improve access to businesses.

A complainant who lives near a pub in Waterfall Lane, Cradley Heath, said they were concerned of increased noise and nuisance as taxis won't be able to pick drinkers up from directly outside.

A resident in Westmead Drive, Oldbury, who has four cars is worried about where they will park their vehicles if the no-waiting zone comes into force.

But despite the objections, council highways bosses have been advised to adopt the proposals and say they will make life easier for businesses and residents.

A report ahead of a highways and environment meeting on Thursday said: "The principal benefits associated with Traffic Regulation Orders are mitigating unsafe, illegal and inconsiderate parking, reducing traffic congestion, maintaining, good access and improving equality have a positive effect on Sandwell as a good place for local communities and visitors."