Motorists across Wolverhampton will benefit from improved journeys and less congestion thanks to investment welcomed by Stuart Anderson MP from the Government’s Plan for Drivers, which will also ensure that local people have a stronger voice on road traffic schemes. Stuart welcomed the Plan for Drivers, which aims to make driving as straightforward, accessible, environmentally responsible, and safe as possible. As part of this, Wolverhampton will receive £500,000 to upgrade traffic signal systems, replacing unreliable and obsolete equipment to improve reliability. It is part of the Traffic Signal Obsolescence Grant, which is providing £30 million to replace traffic signal systems before spare parts run out.
It is part of the Plan for Drivers, as part of which the Government is strengthening guidance on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 20mph speed limits, after research found that just 18% of people surveyed feel listened to on LTNs. Draft statutory guidance states that councils must involve the whole community in the process and be confident that schemes can carry the support of a majority of the community before being introduced. This could involve in-person events, online engagement, and leaflet drops. The move will prevent councils from having to reverse poorly-implemented or locally unpopular schemes later on.
The guidance adds that councils should ensure any schemes introduced through experimental traffic restriction orders (ETRO) are developed with proper prior engagement with communities before any order is made. This means giving residents and businesses opportunities to comment on proposed changes. Stuart welcomed this measure, having recently called on the Council to rethink its plans to introduce a TRO at the Rock Junction in Tettenhall after safety concerns were raised by residents.
The guidance will come into force this Summer to tackle recent problems highlighted with councils introducing LTNs without public support, causing huge disruption for drivers. Consultations are also being launched to tackle overzealous enforcement and prevent local councils from turning drivers into ‘cash cows’ by profiting from traffic restrictions. The 8-week call for evidence will seek views from residents and councils on how money from fines is reinvested to ensure fairness for drivers and councils. Further measures include new guidance making it simpler and easier for councils to charge utility companies who slow down drivers with street works. The Government has also announced £15.7 million from the Local Electric Vehicle (LEVI) Fund for the West Midlands to support the installation of new electric vehicle charge-points, including in Wolverhampton. 56,000 public charge-points have already been installed across the UK – up 47% from this time last year.
Stuart Anderson MP said: “Residents across Wolverhampton rely on car journeys every day to get to school, work, or for social occasions. So, I understand the frustration when journeys are delayed or worsened by undeveloped and unsupported council traffic schemes like at the Rock Junction in Tettenhall. Drivers should be treated fairly, and the wishes of local people taken into account when decisions on traffic management are considered. That’s why I welcome this new guidance to ensure that councils engage with the community ahead of any traffic schemes being introduced so that only those with support will go ahead. It will prevent councils from having to reverse poorly-implemented or locally unpopular schemes later on. As part of our Plan for Drivers, Wolverhampton will also benefit from £500,000 to upgrade traffic signal systems, leading to improved journeys and less congestion, as well as a share of £15.7 million to support the installation of new electric vehicle charge-points in the region.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP said: “We want local people to have their voices heard, and any traffic schemes to have the consent of those they impact. Well thought out schemes, like 20mph limits outside schools, can make our roads safer, but we are raising the bar to help ensure all traffic schemes work for everyone in the community. We’re on the side of drivers, and these latest measures show we’re getting on with delivering what we promised in our Plan for Drivers – making their lives better, fairer and cheaper, and helping people travel in the way that works best for them.”