Solihull residents can have their say over traffic blackspot

Solihull road chiefs have not ruled out reinstating two lanes of traffic on a stretch of road which has become notorious for delays.

Last month, the council imposed a temporary ban on right turns both into and out of Hedingham Grove at Chelmunds Cross.

They have suggested that the alterations could ease congestion along the busy route, where drivers often complain of being held up.

Although many residents, who blame previous changes to the Chester Road for the regular queues, want more drastic action – often urging highways bosses to remove the cycle lane or return the stretch to two lanes.

While the council has said the road will remain a single lane in the current trial, which started on 18 August, in an online FAQ it has said that going back to two lanes could be an option considered in future.

Cllr Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood) has urged residents to have their say on the temporary changes, believing the council didn’t have “a closed mind” in terms of possible solutions.

“That road is a cause for concern for local people and something does need to be done,” he said.

“Some residents think [the change] seems to have made matters worse, although the council have suggested they have received representations from other people to say it’s improved things.”

He said he was “sceptical” himself about whether the trial would have the desired effect, and had some concerns that the alterations could reduce visitor numbers to Chelmund’s Cross village centre.

Although, he pointed out that the call for a return to a dual carriageway could pose its own challenges around road safety – given that the previous change to the road layout was intended to control speeds.

In this scenario, it might be necessary to install average speed cameras, similar to those operating on the nearby Bradford Road, to keep drivers to the limit.

In a summary of the trial changes, the council said: “The data and views collected throughout the trial will be used to assist the council in developing options that will deliver more long-term improvement to the junction and the A452.”

While the experimental traffic order could run for a maximum of 18 months, Cllr Williams said it was likely enough data would be collected by October half-term.

You can have your say on the temporary change to the junction by completing Solihull Council’s online survey: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/Parking-travel-roads/roadworks-and-restrictions/Chelmunds-Cross-Trial-junction-layout

Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/solihull-residents-can-say-over-16939099