Express & Star

Dudley traffic chief approves new 20mph speed limits on town centre roads

Drivers will face new 20mph speed limits after Dudley Council’s highways chief approved a range of traffic orders.

By contributor Martyn Smith
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Cllr Damian Corfield, the council’s cabinet member for highways and Environmental Services, has given the green light to a new round of Traffic Regulations Orders (TROs).

The orders impose a variety of restrictions on borough drivers while some proposals were rejected following a consultation process.

The order approved by Cllr Corfield says: “Residents, councillors, MPs and council departments have raised concerns regarding parked vehicles causing visibility problems at junctions, safety issues for pedestrians (including around schools), perceived inconsiderate parking in residential areas, unsuitable vehicle movements and some existing restrictions which need removing or altering to reflect current circumstances across the borough.

20 mph sign. Picture Google free for LDRS use
20 mph sign. Picture Google free for LDRS use

“As part of Dudley MBC’s commitment to the safe movement of traffic (including pedestrians); various restrictions are proposed on the roads included in the proposed orders to address these concerns.”

A large section of Dudley town centre will see limits set at 20mph when the new order comes into force on Trindle Road, King Street, St Joseph Street (where only buses and access will be permitted) Bourne Street, Birmingham Street, Flood Street, Claughton Road North, Porter Street, Little Street, Hall Street and Porters Field.

A 20mph limit will also come into force on Discovery Way and Zoological Drive along with changes to waiting and loading regulations.

Other changes approved by Cllr Corfield include the revocation of permitted disabled parking bays in Boundary Hill, Gornal, Hillcrest Road, Grainger Street and Shirley Road in Dudley, and Victoria Road Quarry Bank.

Proposals to ban drivers from turning right at the junction of Trindle Road and Claughton Road North in Dudley were withdrawn after consultation.

A council report on the plan said: “All three ward councillors objected to this proposal on the grounds they believe the number of drivers making the right turn would be minimal, therefore unlikely to have a significant impact on traffic flow on Trindle Road.”