What is a Red Route?

Red Routes are a way of reducing congestion and improving road safety, by looking at measures to improve journeys for private vehicles, public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.  They aim to improve the punctuality, consistency and dependability of all road based journeys by making better use of the existing road space, helping traffic to flow better.  They work by removing obstructions including inconsiderate and illegal parking and loading, making it easier to travel safely on foot, by bus and car.

Red Routes use lines on the road and signs to indicate where stopping is controlled:

• Double red lines are used to indicate that stopping or waiting is prohibited at any time.
• Single red lines show that stopping or waiting is allowed during the times indicated on nearby road signs.

Red Routes reduce the amount of stopping on the route but allowances are made for loading and parking where appropriate and these are clearly marked and signed.

Sandwell's Red Route Programme

Having secured £8.6 million from central government to develop the initiative across strategic routes within the Borough, Sandwell already have two Red Routes in place.  The improved routes are the A41 Black Country New Road and the A34 Birmingham Road in Great Barr.

The next route being considered for upgrading is the A457 Sedgley Road / Dudley Road, which runs from the  Cape Hill through to the Borough boundary with Dudley MBC in Tipton.  The scheme has been developed as part of a joint initiative with the proposed Route 87 Bus Showcase scheme.  The "A457 Route 87" website www.a457route87.co.uk contains full details of the proposed improvement.

Other routes that are due to benefit from the Red Route programme in the future include:

• A461 Burnt Tree to Great Bridge via Dudley Port
• A4041 Newton Road / A4031 All Saints Way
• A4031 Trinity Way / A4252 Telford Way
• A4034 Bromford Road & Churchbridge / A4182 Kelvin Way & Kenrick Way

Sandwell Council will continue to consult with the public, partner agencies and other interested parties throughout the development of these routes.  The final plans will take into account feedback from residents and users along the route.

For more information on Red Routes please visit:  www.westmidlandsltp.gov.uk/associated-groups/red-routes/