Start-up of red route to improve traffic flow

A new red route in Sandwell which is aimed at easing traffic congestion as part of a £8.6m borough-wide plan will come in to force from next week.

Sandwell Council is creating the new route as part of a plan to improve traffic flow and make better provision for legal parking and will affect West Bromwich Albion supporters on matchdays.

No stopping restrictions come into force along key roads in West Bromwich and Oldbury from next Thursday. Roads affected are Kenrick Way, Telford Way, Trinity Way, Kelvin Way, Bromford Road, Oldbury Ringway and Churchbridge.

Chiefs say there will be clearly designated areas for parking and loading along the roads, including provision for parking on Baggies matchdays.

Motorists parking illegally will be issued with advisory notices until September 3, when penalty charges begin.

Cabinet member for neighbourhood services councillor Ian Jones said: "This has been designed to ease traffic congestion, imp-rove traffic flow and make better provision for legal parking. There is now extra parking available on Albion matchdays in Lewishham Park off Dartmouth Road, which is in easy walking distance of the ground.

"These improvements will make life easier for many roads users and above all, safer for pedestrians." The Red Route will initially be in force for 18 months.