Sandwell Council has unveiled plans for a bus and cycle only zone in part of West Bromwich, to make it safer and easier for shoppers and students using the town centre. The council is consulting on proposals to introduce the zone along 40 metres of New Street, outside Sandwell College’s Central Sixth campus. Many motorists are ignoring existing traffic restrictions on this stretch of road – and the new order would allow the council to use CCTV to enforce a ban on other vehicles.
The main town square between New Square and Central Sixth is already a pedestrianised area.
And traffic surveys suggest the council’s plans would cut traffic in New Street on Saturdays alone by 80 per cent, from 3,193 to 609 vehicles.
Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “We want to improve safety and access for pedestrians, including shoppers, visitors and sixth formers, who currently face high volumes of traffic when crossing this road.
“Their safety is our top priority.
“Our proposals will also benefit trade and help cut congestion at the bus station.
“We never use CCTV enforcement lightly – but it’s the only practical and efficient way to keep the town square area safe for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users and reduce congestion affecting the bus station.”
Sandwell Council adopted a revised traffic enforcement policy earlier this year, which included powers to use CCTV for enforcing traffic regulation orders in bus lanes and streets. Automated CCTV enforcement works by recording registration plates of vehicles.
Other vehicles – including taxis, private hire vehicles, disabled drivers and service vehicles – will still be able to access each side of the square but not travel through the section immediately alongside the sixth form college.
The proposed traffic regulation order will be advertised on Thursday 1 October. Details of the proposals will be available on Sandwell Council’s website at www.sandwell.gov.uk/trafficrestrictions and at Sandwell Council House, Oldbury. Written objections to the order should be sent by 22 October.
