20mph zones planned for streets in West Bromwich
New 20mph zones are set to be rolled out in parts of West Bromwich after a series of crashes.
The speed limit will be cut on roads in Hateley Heath, with the move set to be backed by councillors next week.
It would be the latest area in Sandwell to have 20mph zones brought in as part of a bid to improve safety in the borough.
There were 18 crashes in Hateley Heath between 2012 and 2017, resulting in 21 injuries and two deaths, a report to council has revealed.
Three objections to the proposed speed limit cut have been lodged but council officers say the safety benefits outweigh concerns raised and have advised councillors to back them during a meeting on Tuesday, May 8.
The 20mph zones would cover roads on estates as well as along busier roads.
Ward councillor Paul Sandars said the changes were needed to improve safety on the roads.
He said: “We already have 20mph limits in parts of the town and I have been calling on them to expand it to Hateley Heath for some time. It is needed to improve security and general safety on the roads.
“There are some fast roads in the ward and the 20mph limit will serve to slow down traffic and anything that slows down traffic can only be a good thing.”
A 20mph zone was imposed on roads throughout Great Barr in recent weeks.
It came after 36 people were injured in crashes in the Newton ward in the last five years. It encompasses dozens of roads including the busy Hamstead Road – which links traffic between Great Barr and Birmingham.
