Stafford road to become Wolverhampton's first Red Route this spring
Released: 10 January 2007
A main road into Wolverhampton city centre will be designated as a Red Route this spring in an effort to improve traffic movement, reduce congestion and improve safety.
The A449 Stafford Road between the M54 and the Ring Road will become Wolverhampton’s first Red Route in March after the final phase of work is completed.
The scheme aims to ensure that the most effective use is made of the road space. Red Routes use a package of measures to improve traffic flow including road improvements and dedicated loading areas for delivery vehicles where required. These measures are complemented by the enforcement of waiting restrictions to prevent illegal parking; this will be enabled by a 12 month Experimental Order which will come into effect from March 12.
Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise, said: “This Red Route will help keep traffic moving for the benefit of people who travel on the road, the businesses and residents in the area as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
“It will address the problem of delays caused by inconsiderate and illegal parking and improve road safety while reducing journey times and traffic congestion.
“The order is for 12 months but at the end of this period we will look at the benefits achieved. This will include listening to the views of local people before considering whether it should be made permanent.”
The construction of Red Route features along the Stafford Road has been taking place over a period of time, starting in 2004, and the public has been consulted extensively about the scheme throughout its development. Consultation has included exhibitions, leaflets and public meetings.
Councillor Bilson added: “All the feedback has been carefully looked at and original proposals have been significantly amended to take on board comments including relaxing stopping restrictions for the entire Red Route to allow for on-street parking in off-peak periods.”
The majority of the route, particularly where residential properties are next to the highway, will allow parking, loading, or picking up of passengers from 10am to 4pm and 7pm to 7am.
Progress so far on the project has included road and junction improvements along the A449 Stafford Road corridor to enable a more efficient flow of traffic. Improved pedestrian and disabled facilities have also been created along the Stafford Road, especially within shopping areas, as well as improvements to off-route parking areas.
The final phase of the scheme which starts on January 15, features the installation of red line waiting restrictions, and associated signage to further aid traffic flow and reduce congestion, particularly in the traffic peak hours of 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm.
In addition improvements will take place to develop the existing car park at the rear of the Three Tuns Shopping Parade. This will be available for use by shoppers and the measures being implemented will include better car park signage.
Works to widen the front entrance of St Anthony’s School will then take place during half term, from February 12.
All affected homes and businesses have been sent information about the scheme and the forthcoming final phase of work.
For further information on the Red Route, please contact Transportation Development by calling City Direct on 01902 551155 or, alternatively, e-mail
neil.priest@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Issued by the press office.