Traffic problems could soon be reduced at a popular Cradley Heath supermarket after Tesco unveiled improvement plans.

The supermarket giant has lodged an application to carry out work at the store in Fox Oak Street which comes in the wake of motorists complaining about the layout of the site. The firm has applied to Sandwell Council for “proposed improvements” to the existing vehicular access to increase the length of queuing available for vehicles leaving the store.

The application may be decided early in the New Year. Tesco spokesman Tony Fletcher said: “We are looking at putting some more permanent measures in place. We want to provide more space for vehicles to get out of the car park.”

A design and access statement has been prepared for the council by Pinnacle Transportation on behalf of the supermarket which says it hopes the work, if given the go ahead, will make things better for motorists.

It says the purpose of the project is to improve the amount of “stacking” for vehicles exiting the car park and provide a longer island for vehicles wishing to visit the petrol station.

This month the Express & Star reported how the Tesco Extra’s car park was brought to a virtual standstill as frustrated drivers waited to get out.

Some claimed they were stuck on the site for more than an hour. Shoppers and traders blamed motorists queueing for petrol from the adjacent Tesco petrol station for making the problems worse but motorists have also pointed to a poor layout of the car park.

The problem on that day was put down to sheer numbers of people visiting the store but bosses pledged to look at improving the car park management system.

People have asked why the barrier at the far end of the store cannot be raised but it would take people across land not belonging to the store. Mr Fletcher added: “We have had further discussions about the land issue at the end of the site where the other barrier is but that is not an option.”