Drivers still parking on road after red route
Drivers are still parking along a Black Country road despite measures being enforced two weeks ago to tackle bad parking.
A red route was introduced on Forge Lane in Cradley Heath to clamp down on the issue.
But drivers have been photographed still parking on the busy road, which is near to Cradley Heath railway station.
Red routes prohibit motorists from stopping to park, load or offload goods.
The parking measure was brought in along the road stretches for a mile along Forge Lane, Lower High Street, Foxoak Street and Upper High Street.
It should deter drivers from parking along the road. But motorists have been snapped parked up along the street
Councillor Caroline White, who represents the Cradley Heath and Old Hill ward, said: "We are aware of the issue and the enforcement team will be taking action on anyone parking along there still.
"The road is not far from the town centre and station and people park up to use it for there. But we will be opening a separate car park soon to alleviate the problems.
"This is something that we certainly will be enforcing, so drivers have been warned. I have not had any complaints personally about it in my ward yet."
The red lines around the start of this month and the rules came into force on Thursday (4 May).
Sandwell Council said it is enforcing the red route by deploying a CCTV camera car and patrols to try and catch motorists red-handed.
Residents say the measure is also causing problems for residents in nearby streets, as motorists are opting to park their cars on those streets instead.
Twitter user @teamwolfpackuk tweeted: "As predicted, people are parking on New pool Road & Mouse Sweet walk, making it dangerous for residents."
Sandwell Council responded by tweeting that it will look at the 'impact' on neighbouring roads.
The local authority says the red lines aim to prevent parking on pavements and on narrow stretches of the road which causes problems for pedestrians and traffic.
Anyone caught parking on the red lines will receive a £70 fine in the post, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.
The council has received multiple complaints about vehicles blocking pavements and preventing drivers from passing due to parked cars.
The scheme is costing approximately £4,000 and old yellow lines were removed as part of the work.
