Parking tickets for 21 fans on red route
A total of 21 football fans were slapped with parking tickets at the first West Bromwich Albion home match since red route restrictions near The Hawthorns came into force.
The new no-stopping regulations are on key roads in the area.
Sandwell Council, which is enforcing fines, gave fans warning notices for the first few weeks after the rules came into force in West Bromwich and Oldbury on August 16. Among roads affected are Kenrick Way and Telford Way, where Baggies fans used to cram onto central verges.
Trinity Way, Kelvin Way, Bromford Road, Oldbury Ringway and Churchbridge are also affected.
Now wardens have begun issuing fines along the red route and 21 people were issued with tickets during the 1-0 home win against Reading.
Councillor Ian Jones, borough neighbourhood services chief, said: "It should be remembered that advisory notices were given out warning people of the new red route scheme before the fines became enforceable.
"This was for the first two West Bromwich Albion home games. In addition, we have put in extra parking places for fans going to the games, including opening up Lewisham Park near to the Hawthorns.
"Since the red route became fully operational 21 tickets have been issued and all of those were at the last Albion home game."
The new scheme came into force on August 16 as part of an £8.6 million borough-wide plan to ease traffic congestion, improve traffic flow and make better provision for legal parking.
Restrictions came into place for the first time for match-goers during the Baggies first game of the new season against Liverpool.
The council then handed out 56 warning notices. A further 49 "live" notices were also given to drivers who had parked on the existing red route.
Transport chiefs also left leaflets on all the vehicles parked along the route – even though they were parked correctly – to ensure drivers were informed of the new regulations.
