Controversial plans to reduce a busy dual carriageway through a Black Country town to a single lane in both directions will slash accidents in half, according to highways chiefs.

The move comes after a number of serious crashes.

Two lanes operate in both directions between Woodsbank Terrace and Dangerfield Lane and despite a 30mph speed limit, motorists have been driving at 50mph. Keith Stone, assistant director for built environment at Walsall Council, said there had been nine collisions on the stretch.

Despite causing potential traffic misery along Moxley Road, Darlaston. new road markings and a coloured road surface are being proposed along the main route which is used by youngsters crossing to Pinfold Street Primary School.

Mr Stone said: “Safety is paramount. That’s why we are looking to take action to make a short stretch of dual carriageway on Moxley Road between Dangerfield Lane and Mill Street into single carriageway.

“We are doing this because of the worrying number of accidents along this stretch of road. In a five-year period up to July last year there were nine collisions where people were injured.

“Five were at the junction of Dangerfield Lane and four were at the junction with Wolverhampton Street.

“Eight of the collisions involved cars turning onto Moxley Road from side roads.

“Work is due to start in the 2009/10 financial year and we would predict that making this stretch single carriageway would reduce accidents by 50 per cent.”

It is the latest action to improve road safety in the area after a zebra crossing, anti-skid surfacing and safety barriers were installed in nearby Great Bridge Road last year.

The £100,000 scheme came after a campaign launched by parents following the death of 10-year-old Wolves fan Miles Hill, of Moxley, in November 2004.

He was playing in the street when he was struck by a car, leaving him with fatal head and leg injuries.