Emergency traffic measures are to be introduced in some of Sandwell’s high streets and town centres to support social distancing and promote walking and cycling.
Council leaders have agreed to provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists and help tackle narrow ‘pinch points’ in areas where social distancing is difficult.
Measures are set to include one-way systems, cycle lanes, temporary cones, barriers, lines, signs and widening pavements – as well as social distancing signs.
Details of places to benefit from the measures will be announced over the coming weeks.
Some of the changes may become permanent in the future to help encourage walking and cycling, subject to funding and consultation with businesses, the public and other interested groups.
An initial package of measures – costing a total of £297,000 – is being funded through the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund via Transport for West Midlands, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Yvonne Davies said social distancing was especially important as more shops reopen their doors to customers, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) and protect both shoppers and staff.
She said: “The traffic measures we are putting in place will help keep people safe and support our town centre businesses. Everyone also needs to follow social distancing advice, wash their hands regularly and, where they can’t keep a distance from others, wear a face covering.
“We want to help people make alternative, healthier decisions when they need to travel. By providing protected space for cycling, wider pavements and safer junctions, we will help make sure our road network supports these healthier travel options now and when demand increases as we start to come out of the current emergency.”
Councillor Jackie Taylor, the council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport, said: “Where possible, I would ask people to walk or cycle for short journeys rather than using the car or public transport when travelling to and from our town centres.
“We are planning to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists, developing some of the measures we had already identified in our walking and cycling infrastructure plans. We hope some of these changes may eventually become permanent to encourage more people to choose to walk and cycle.”
Councillor Taylor added: “We are exploring all opportunities to boost cycling and walking in Sandwell – not just during the Covid-19 pandemic but for the future. This will help improve people’s health and be good for the environment, improving air quality and helping us tackle climate change.”
Sandwell Council will implement traffic changes under emergency legislation introduced by the Government to support the return to work and gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
Go to our coronavirus webpages for more information on the council’s response to coronavirus (Covid-19).
