U-turn on Great Barr street parking ban

A no-waiting zone was proposed for Appleton Avenue, Great Barr, but the plan has been ditched following several objections.

According to a Sandwell Council report, 12 objections have been received concerning the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions on this road.

The report states that these restrictions had been recommended in a bid to control parking problems which had been brought to the authority's attention.

Two councillors had requested the parking ban to be placed on the bend of the road following complaints from residents, and with the intention of improving visibility for motorists.

However those opposing the restrictions argued that banning parking would lead to an increase in the speed of traffic that uses the road, turning it into a 'rat run'.

It was also highlighted that residents have no option but to park on the street as they do not have space to park at the rear of their properties, and there were fears that it would cause friction between neighbours.

One homeowner who is disabled was very concerned about how it would affect them not being able to park in front of their property.

The impact on the value of homes along Appleton Avenue was also raised as an issue.

Ward councillor and cabinet member for highways and environment Councillor David Hosell, said: "The measures were put forward after a request by some of the residents of Appleton Avenue. But when we received responses it because clear that there were more residents in favour of keeping it as it is, than those asking for it to change.

"They raised the good point that the parked cars actually act as a deterrent against speeding. It is a big sweeping bend and there are cars always there."

He added: "Just because we have decided against this request this time, it doesn't prevent residents making a request again in the future."

The same report which will go before Sandwell Council's Highways and Environment Decision Making Session next Thursday, also looked at the reactions to proposed no waiting zones on other roads.

These were on Manor House Road, Walsall Street and Upper High Street in Wednesbury; Woodfort Road in Great Barr, and Park Crescent, Dagger Lane, Slaithwaite Road and Woodward Street in West Bromwich.

As all of these only received one or two objections each, so the recommendation from the highways team is to proceed with the parking bans on these roads.