Red Routes
Red Routes are a new way of reducing traffic congestion, making travel better for everyone. They work mainly by putting a stop to delays caused by illegal parking and stopping. In implementing red routes we attempt to resolve other road safety, congestion and accessibility issues as far as is practicable.
Solihull completed the first Red Route outside London on the Stratford Road in 2003. It runs from the Birmingham boundary (near Robin Hood Island) through Shirley to south of the M42 junction 4. After two years, this scheme has been judged a success and has won a prestigious National Transport Award. For further information please see the attached leaflet below.
Red Routes use a package of measures to improve safe traffic flow. The most obvious of these measures are the red lines along the road edge, which are a clear signal to drivers to say 'No Stopping'.
But Red routes are not blanket 'No Stopping' restrictions, the scheme actually includes better provision for legal parking and loading. A range of measures are used to help reduce congestion, in Shirley the most significant of these is the closure of some of the central reservation gaps to prevent congestion and accidents caused by right turning traffic.
To find out more visit the Red Routes web site - http://westmidlandsltp.gov.uk/redroutes/. If you wish to comment or feedback on the schemes, please contact environment@solihull.gov.uk
Red Route Permits
If you live on a Red Route and consider it necessary for a vehicle to be parked in contravention of the Red Route regulations, for example you may be moving house, we can issue a permit to allow this. Please contact environment@solihull.gov.uk or ring 0121 704 6366 for details. There is no charge for an exemption permit.
What the Regulations Mean
You must stop on a Red Route if necessary to avoid an accident, if it is not safe to proceed or if instructed to do so by a policeman. Emergency services, and highways maintenance vehicles are exempt from the regulations. Refuse vehicles making kerbside collections and liveried post office vans may stop as necessary on a Red Route. However, other delivery vehicles must use designated loading bays, and comply with the regulations displayed on the signs.
Black taxicabs may stop to set down or pick up fares. Other drivers may only stop to set down or pick up a disabled passenger who qualifies for a blue badge. Blue badge holders have no other exemptions on a Red Route.
New Red Route Proposals
After widespread consultation, work is now starting on further Red Routes in Solihull. It will continue through 2006 and be completed in 2007.
The roads are:
Marshall Lake Road B4102
Blossomfield Road B4102
Lode Lane B425
Hobs Moat Road B425
Solihull Bypass A41, from Lode Lane to M42 junction 5
Warwick Road B425, from Lode Lane to Solihull Bypass
Coventry Road A45, from Hatchford Brook to M42 junction 6
The first four roads are predominantly residential and generally will have peak period restrictions only, unless road safety or traffic congestion considerations necessitate greater restrictions.
The last three roads above are major radial routes from the conurbation to the motorway and will generally have 24 hour, 7 day restrictions, with limited exemptions for loading as necessary.
The Red Route consultation process in Solihull continues until we are satisfied that we have a safe, effective, workable scheme. If you think that you will be personally disadvantaged by the proposals please contact us, without delay. E-mail environment@solihull.gov.uk or ring 0121 704 6474. We want to hear from you.
Residents along the above routes will be given more information about when work is due to take place in their area. They will be given additional contacts, information on where to see detailed plans and the opportunity to discuss their concerns with the implementation team.
Contact Details
For further information please contact us
Telephone: 0121 704 6474
Email: environment@solihull.gov.uk