Dudley Council backtracks over high street deliveries ban

A traffic order stopping lorries and vans from stopping on High Street, Pensnett, was due to come into force as part of a multi-million scheme to improve traffic flow along the route.

But traders feared the move could have a major impact on their businesses and launched an objection against the idea. Dudley Council has now agreed to only stop loading during peak times in mornings and afternoons.

Roads bosses had wanted to keep High Street clear of obstructions as part of its year-long improvement scheme on the route, which has seen the road widened and new traffic lights installed, but have now admitted defeat over stopping loading.

They have been forced to make a U-turn on the plans to stop loading between 7am and 7pm on weekdays due to the scale of opposition from business owners, who submitted a petition signed by 42 people.

Loading will now only be banned between 7.30am and 9.30am and 4pm and 6.30pm in a bid to avoid rush-hour congestion, under the revised proposals.

A report said: "Business owners on High Street raised concerns about potentially losing trade and expressed a real need for a loading bay for deliveries and customers."

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services, said the authority has 'listened to traders'.

She said: “The Pensnett improvement scheme is progressing well and we are grateful to everyone for bearing with us during this important work.

"We have listened to local traders and residents throughout this work and have acted on the feedback they have given us including relaxing the restrictions on loading to Monday to Friday between 7:30 and 9:15am and 4 and 6:30pm which will permit loading outside the peak traffic periods on weekdays and at all times during weekends.”