Double yellow scheme is scrapped

Controversial plans to paint double yellow lines along roads in a Black Country town have been scrapped after residents complained they would be unable to park outside their own homes.

Dudley Council originally planned tight restrictions in Cranbourne Road, Sherbourne Road, Redhill, The Heathlands and Margaret Drive, in Stourbridge. But after an outcry from residents, highways bosses put forward a new scheme which will only ban parking near junctions.

A no-waiting restriction from 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday would also be introduced in Cranbourne Road.

The scheme aims to stop large numbers of students from nearby Stourbridge College parking in the roads and obstructing the flow of traffic.

Members of Stourbridge area committee will discuss the altered scheme at a meeting on January 21 before it is passed to the full council for final approval.

At the last meeting of the committee, residents objected to the original scheme saying the restriction would also affect visitors to their homes.

They told members the move would cause chaos as motorists moved to even more dangerous places to park.

Councillors at the meeting agreed the scheme was too severe and told officers they would prefer to see a daytime waiting restriction instead.

Double yellow line proposals in Redhill were also branded extreme and these have also be re-drawn.

A report to the committee states: "During weekdays, on-street car parking associated with Stourbridge College can obstruct the passage of traffic at road junctions.

"While contact has been made with Stourbridge College, it is acknowledged the college authorities cannot be held responsible for the parking of correctly taxed and insured vehicles on the public highway.

"Members indicated the previous proposals were too severe and the lighter scheme has now been drawn up."

If approved, the restrictions would come into effect later in the year after the council has taken over parking enforcement from the police.