Call for bus lanes to be shut

Bus lanes in front of Dudley Zoo and the Black Country Living Museum could be permanently axed under new plans, it emerged today.

Dudley Council's transport chief, Councillor Patrick Harley, says the lanes "do nothing" to help traffic flow on roads outside the busy attractions.

The move is being considered in light of a £10 million regeneration plan to create a tourism hotspot involving the zoo, the museum and Dudley Canal Tunnels.

Councillor Harley says the authority is looking at ways to improve traffic ahead of the opening of the new £6m Dudley Archives building.

Lanes run either side of Castle Hill in front of Dudley Zoo and the landmark Station Hotel from the junction of Trindle Road.

The second lane starts in Tipton Road adjacent to the new archives centre and the Black Country Living Museum. "If there are bus lanes that serve a purpose then fine – but otherwise I think they should be looked at again," he said.

"There are two lanes on Castle Hill and one that runs by the museum that I believe do nothing."

Councillor Harley says he will be discussing the plans with Dudley Council officers and bosses at West Midlands Transport Authority Centro.