Three controversial multi-million pound queue-busting schemes will swing into action in Walsall next year, it emerged today.

Work will begin on introducing red routes along the A454 Wolverhampton Road, A34 North and the A4148 Broadway North in 2009, despite protests from many residents and traders.

The schemes, which will see red lines replacing double yellow lines, have been in the pipeline for months but it was announced today they will be phased in from early next year.

The biggest scheme on the A34 north of Walsall town centre, including Bloxwich High Street, will cost £3.2million and begin in January.

The next project is the A454 Wolverhampton Road in the early summer costing £1.5m.

The final route will be created along the A4148, from the Arboretum junction to Wallows Lane, at the end of 2009 costing £1.5m.

The measures will mean a ban on parking at any time along the length of the affected roads, although transport bosses are drawing up plans for extra spaces along the route in response to complaints.

A public consultation recently ended on the plans for the A454 and attracted concerns from many shopkeepers who felt it could drive their customers out of Walsall.

Jenny Mann, of Manns Carpets, based on Wolverhampton Road, said today she still did not agree with the scheme despite promises to amend it to help businesses. She said more than 70 people had signed a petition against it.

She said: “The council is not listening to us. They need to listen to the business people who pay rates and employ local people.”

Councillor Anthony Harris, Walsall Council Cabinet member for transport, said the routes would help cut congestion.