Hawthorns red route plans to be revised

Controversial red route plans for a Black Country borough have been revised after concerns from West Bromwich Albion fans, the football club and nearby businesses.

Sandwell Council had £861,000 plans to prevent drivers stopping and parking on roads from junctions one and two of the M5. The proposals drew criticism from Baggies bosses, who feared restrictions would deter supporters who park on Kenrick Way. Chiefs at the nearby Bethel Convention Centres also said it would "devastate" business.

But now authority chiefs have revised plans, after more than 200 people responded to a consultation on proposals. Charges for spaces have been ruled out.

Bosses originally planned 420 match day parking bays to help the estimated 760 fans who park on Kenrick Way for Albion home games.

They will now provide 620 spaces instead alongside the road, which will only have single red line restrictions to allow parking on weedays after 6.30pm, weekends and Bank Holidays.

The move means the extra bays can be used by football fans, including for midweek games, and as an overflow for the Bethal Convention Centre's visitors.

An 18-month trial of red route restrictions is recommended for approval by Councillor Derek Rowley, the cabinet member for neighbourhood services, on January 13.

Councillor Rowley said: "There's no intention to introduce charges because that was an area of concern of concern for Albion and residents.

"We want to stop hazardous parking on the central reservations while not affecting attendance at matches and helping residents.

"We've gone as far as we can to cater for everybody's needs."

Documents submitted with plans say around 70 per cent of people who replied to the consultation backed plans.