West Bromwich taxi drivers hit out at bus and bicycle lane

New Street, near New Square shopping centre and Sandwell College's Central Sixth, could become a bus and cycle only route if council bosses agree with proposals due to go before a committee this week.

But opposition has flooded in - particularly from taxi firms who would be barred from using the route under the new scheme.

Twenty objections have been put forward from taxi and private hire drivers, members of the Access Alliance, residents and taxi businesses.

Drivers claim neighbouring borough councils allow taxis to use bus lanes and the changes would increase journey times, fares and make is difficult to transport disabled and elderly passengers.

Further concerns were raised about adding congestion to other routes, and an increase fuel costs and emissions.

CCTV cameras would be erected to police the stretch of road.

A final decision on the proposals will be made at a Highways and Environment Decision Making Session on Thursday.

A report for the committee states: "The current restrictions can only be enforced by West Midlands Police.

"The proposed bus only street order can be enforced by Sandwell Council with automated CCTV enforcement.

"This is the only practical and efficient means of reserving the town square for pedestrians, cyclists and buses.

"Automated CCTV enforcement relies on recording the registration plate of vehicles and cannot distinguish between private hire vehicles that are on call or in private use.

"There are thousands of private hire vehicles licensed across the Midlands.

"The automated enforcement of the bus only street would be rendered inefficient to the point of being impractical if private hire vehicles were exempted."

According to new figures, banning vehicles other than buses would reduce the number of vehicles crossing the town square on a Saturday by around 2,500 - from around 3,164 to 580.

In terms of costs, the report states: "Preliminary quotations indicate a capital cost for two fixed cameras located at New Street, West Bromwich and A34 Birmingham Road, Great Barr of £17,000 and this would be funded through the Local Transport Plan.

"The cost of 4.5 years maintenance of the cameras and software system is estimated as £6,000 based on quotations.

"Additional costs of around £5,000 per annum may be due to the parking Enforcement Contractor under the current contract subject to the volume of penalty charge notice processing."

People breaking the order would be slapped with a fixed penalty charge of £60.

Speaking ahead of the consultation, Councillor Maria Crompton, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: "We want to improve safety and access for pedestrians, including shoppers, visitors and sixth formers, who currently face high volumes of traffic when crossing this road.

"Our proposals will also benefit trade and help cut congestion at the bus station.

"We never use CCTV enforcement lightly – but it's the only practical and efficient way to keep the town square area safe for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users and reduce congestion affecting the bus station."