Parking to be banned near Cradley Heath bus station

Vehicles have had to be towed away from Cradley Heath bus station as they have created difficulties for buses entering and leaving.

Cars parked outside have also led to traffic problems, which has prompted Sandwell Council to act.

Bosses have confirmed measures, which could include a red route, will be brought in to try and put a stop to the problem parking.

The Cradley Heath bus and rail interchange was opened in 2015 following a major overhaul of the station.

Sandwell Council said it was investigating measures 'to prevent motorists parking on the highway preventing safe access and egress to the site'.

Cradley Heath councillor Anne Shackleton welcomed the action over the town's bus station.

She said: "The police have had to tow vehicles away because it constituted a grave danger to pedestrians and large vehicles had to go around refuses to carry on up the road.

"People have been parking in the bus interchange from what I hear.

"We are anxious for these measures to be put in place and believe they are well ahead on them."

Councillor Shackleton said she believed issue was not being helped by a lack of parking at the interchange.

She said: "I have pressured Transport for West Midlands to look into parking at the station which is not sufficient for the number of users.

"People are encouraged to use public transport but there is a lack of parking. There just isn't enough parking spaces."

The new interchange was created to bring the bus and rail stations closer together. Significant improvements were made, including new bus stands and passenger information boards.