Plans for new bus gate to ban cars from part of Wolverhampton city centre

Commuters and people travelling in and out of the city are being asked to give their views on plans to introduce a bus gate close to the bus station.

Transport bosses have put forward proposals for the 24-hour road restrictions in a small area of Victoria Square, between Pipers Row and Fryer Street, connecting to the junction of Lichfield Street and Railway Drive adjacent to the Sunbeam pub.

A bus gate is a short section of street that only buses and other authorised vehicles can use. They give buses priority at a junction, with traffic lights on red holding other vehicles and allowing buses to go through unhindered.

Drivers of cars and other vehicles not permitted to use the zone face being fined – as has happened thousands of times at an existing bus gate on Pipers Row.

Council chiefs say the gate will assist in managing the highway network, allowing for the safer provision of public transport and uninterrupted operation of the tramway extension that links the Metro to the railway station.

People in the city are now being asked to give their feedback on the plans by taking part in a short public consultation which is open until Friday, June 9.

Warning signs are fitted ahead of bus gates and also at the point where the restriction starts, so motorists are made aware of available access. Any unauthorised vehicles caught using bus gates or bus lanes runs the risk of a fine.

Information on the public consultation can be found on the council’s website at TROConsultation@wolverhampton.gov.uk