THE congestion in Cradley Heath caused by selfish drivers is being tackled by Sandwell Council.

Bad parking is being stamped out in Cradley Heath with a new red route banning parking and stopping at any time.

Vehicles will be prevented from parking on a mile-long stretch of Forge Lane, Lower High Street, Foxoak Street and Upper High Street.

The red lines were be put down this week and the rules will come into force today (Thursday, May 4).

A Sandwell Council spokesman said: "The work is being done to prevent parking on the pavements and on narrow stretches of the road which causes problems for pedestrians and traffic.

"The council has received multiple complaints about vehicles blocking pavements and preventing drivers from passing due to parked cars."

The scheme is costing approximately £4,000 and old yellow lines will also be removed - the work may take a little longer if the weather is bad.

Cradley Heath has been beset with congestion over the last five years. Roadworks in middle of the High Street caused complaints from shopkeepers about loss of trade. Reddall Hill Road was also covered in roadworks for nearly a year and Cradley Heath Train Station also is black spot for inconsiderate drivers.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill Councillor Anne Shackleton said: “Parking at Cradley Heath station is a massive problem.

"The sheer amount of cars sometimes causes practical issues with congestion and at other times it irritates residents to see so many cars in the streets."

She added: "I counted 104 vehicles parked in an area opposite the station where they pay £2 a day.If that land – which we believe will soon by developed for housing – isn’t used I don’t know where we will be in relation to car parking issues at the station."