Stafford Road to become Wolverhampton's first Red Route from Monday
Released: 9 March 2007
A main road into Wolverhampton city centre will be designated as a Red Route from next week in an effort to aid 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 from Monday 12 March.
Red Routes use a package of measures to help ensure that the most effective use is made of the road space, including road improvements and dedicated loading areas for delivery vehicles where required.
From Monday, the Stafford Road will feature red line waiting restrictions and associated signage to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, particularly in the traffic peak hours of 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm.
The scheme that will come into effect is a 12 month Experimental Order and the enforcement of the Red Route parking regulations will be carried out by Wolverhampton City Council’s own parking attendants.
Councillor Peter Bilson, 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 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 since 2004 and has included road and junction improvements as well as improved pedestrian and disabled facilities, especially within shopping areas.
The public has been consulted about the scheme throughout its development.
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.
For further information on the Red Route, please contact City Direct on 01902 551155.
Issued by the press office.