Call for new signs to warn of low bridge

New signs are needed to warn motorists about a low bridge on a busy commuter route in Wednesbury, a councillor has said.

Councillor Michael Middleton says a canal bridge in Hydes Road is not marked clearly enough for lorry drivers.

The problem means that often drivers are forced to turn around in the middle of the road. The bridge, which stands at 15 feet, is on one of the busiest roads running through the town. It is also used by pupils going to nearby Wodensborough Community Technology College, which is also based in Hydes Road.

Councillor Middleton said he was concerned about safety issues in the road if there was an accident, especially as it is a convenient link through to West Bromwich.

"If a lorry hits the bridge than it could be a potential disaster for the road," he said.

"There are no warning signs telling people about the bridge and the size of lorries is changing every day, so if one of them comes down and gets lost, it means traffic is gridlocked while it gets turned around."

Councillor Middleton is also calling for the existing sign on the bridge to be illuminated to give better warning to lorry drivers about the height restriction.

"It needs to be illuminated so people can see what is coming and that could also stop accidents," he said.

"Hydes Road is very busy and I think something should be done to prevent a major accident.

"My biggest worry is that if something did hit the bridge then people could be killed and seriously injured.

Resident John Allen has lived in Hydes Road for 37 years, and said he was worried somebody could crash into the bridge if they were not familiar with the area.

"I am concerned about it because if people are not from around here and they drive down the road, there is nothing to warn them about it, he said.

"More are using sat nav systems and if they are driving large lorries, they could have a real problem."

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for neighbourhoods and housing, Councillor Mahboob Hussain, said: "We are in the process of assessing low bridges in the borough at the moment and will certainly look at this bridge with view to possible additional signage or signing an alternative route for lorries."