Protests over Dudley's flOrn traffic light plan
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SHADOW TRANSPORT Minister Owen Paterson joined protesters in Dudley, West Midlands, on Monday 12 February to speak out against a multiple traffic light installation at the Burnt Tree roundabout.
Organiser Chris Kelly, from local Scania dealer Kehl-tick, says: "Spending £10m on a set of complex traffic lights isn't the way to be going. Minuscule amounts are being spent on the roads these days and they go and spend this much money on a relatively free-flowing section of road. Opening it up to three lanes would be cheaper and more efficient."
Paterson adds: "I understand this is a local matter and I'm no expert on this particular section of road. Though having looked at road schemes around the country and abroad, I'm seeing that traffic lights are not always the answer."
A number of operators supported the protest. Paul Coxhead from Targeted Raining Services says: "This doesn't make sense to anyone and it isn't the best solution.We should be looking for a 30-year plan, not a short-term fix. It's time that councils started talking to local businesses."