Traffic chaos at the Scott Arms junction in Great Barr: 'Underinvestment is still penalising all road users'
So what idiot changed the sequence at the Scott Arms lights? Decades of underinvestment, with just a tin of red paint splashed in the last quarter of a century, the financially exhorted motorist has exchanged a very long delay at the Scotts at peak time for a delay that might just mean a packed lunch and flask is essential to cross this junction.
In a further embarrassing effort to avoid spending some real money on this junction, Sandwell MBC appears to have changed the sequence and there is talk the sequence can be monitored from afar. Monitoring is fine, as long as someone is doing something. Leaving the traffic backed up down past the Malt Shovel at the Newton Road isn't good enough, and perhaps those responsible might consider how their effects on local pollution might be viewed. After all, if a slagging off is good enough for major European car makers.......
If a flyover or underpass ain't going to happen, then the corners of the Scott Arms needs improving with its car parks on both Newton Road corners considered for freeflowing left turn lanes (imagine the potential reduction in traffic for instance down Jayshaw Avenue).
That, however, would mean investment, and I fear those in charge at Sandwell MBC are too busy ensuring that private and public transport are equalised by dragging motorists down to the inconvenience of the public transport user, rather than the other way round which is of course how it should be if local politicians wish to be remembered for achievements.
P Williams
Great Barr
