Residents living on two notorious rat run roads in Walsall have received a 'disappointing' update as the long-awaited one-way system remains without funding or a delivery date. The portfolio holder for regeneration confirmed the news, dashing hopes for a solution to years of traffic chaos.
Campaign for Safer Streets
For many years, residents have campaigned for a one-way system to be introduced along Hospital Street and Croft Street. These roads serve as a shortcut between two major routes out of the town centre: Green Lane and Bloxwich Road. The ever-increasing number of road users, pavement parking, and road rage have made life on the two streets a nightmare.
In 2024, Walsall Council carried out a consultation to introduce one-way systems on the two streets, which residents were largely in favour of. Despite this support, progress has stalled.
Council Update
St Matthew’s ward member, Councillor Basharat Hussain, pressed for an update on the matter at a meeting of full council on June 22. Deputy leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Nicky Barker, responded that funding for the project is still yet to be secured.
She said: “For the past three years the proposal has been considered alongside other road safety schemes across the borough through the council’s established prioritisation process. Whilst Hospital Street has ranked relatively highly it has not been prioritised ahead of schemes presenting a greater road safety need. Most recently the scheme ranked 10th within the community health and safety programme. Funding was available for only the two highest priority schemes.”
No Delivery Date
Councillor Barker added: “I am unable to provide a delivery date at this stage because no funding has yet been approved for the scheme. Hospital Street will remain within the programme and will be considered as part of the next annual road safety review. Cabinet will consider the 2027 Transport Capital Programme in March, including the funding available for competing priorities across the borough and whether there is a viable route for progressing the Hospital Street scheme.”
She acknowledged the frustration, stating: “I appreciate this is disappointing for residents but it is important that road safety investment is prioritised fairly and consistently across the borough so that the limited funding is directed to the locations where it can deliver the greatest safety benefit.”
Impact on Residents
Residents have expressed dismay at the lack of progress, with many feeling that their safety concerns have been ignored. The roads have seen increased traffic volumes, leading to congestion and dangerous driving behaviours. Pavement parking has forced pedestrians into the road, while road rage incidents have become common.
The scheme's ranking as 10th out of many road safety projects means it will continue to compete for limited funds. With only the top two schemes receiving funding in the current programme, residents face an uncertain wait for relief.
