HUNDREDS of fed-up taxi drivers are aiming to cause traffic chaos by staging a 'go slow' protest drive through Oldbury and Blackheath today.

The go-slow drive, organised by Sandwell Private Hire Drivers Association, will take place today (Wednesday May 4) from 2pm to 6pm with drivers hoping to cause huge tailbacks by driving at around 5mph.

It will start in West Bromwich, then go through Oldbury, Blackheath and to Cradley Heath.

Sandwell Council has warned motorists to expect disruption and to find alternative routes. 

Drivers have been protesting outside Sandwell Council House in Oldbury for two hours every day since Wednesday April 20.

Drivers are unhappy at the length of time they say it is taking the council to issue private hire licenses and are hoping the drive will cause maximum disruption to get their point across.

They say there are numerous issues and their telephone calls are never answered by the licensing department.

They say they have been passed from pillar to post by Sandwell Council with issues rumbling on since 2020.

Mohammad Niwaz, chairman of Sandwell Private Hire Drivers Association, said: "Sandwell Council leader Kerrie Carmichael has no interest in sorting out the issues.

"We hope the protest drive will cause tailbacks because we want the council to realise what they are doing.

"They should be talking to us, not ignoring us."

Sandwell Council said: "We are aware of a protest from 2pm to 6pm this afternoon (Wednesday) involving vehicles driving slowly between West Bromwich town centre and Old Hill, via Oldbury and Blackheath town centres.

"The route may include the M5 J1 roundabout in West Bromwich and Birchley Island in Oldbury.

"This may cause some disruption on the roads so please find alternative routes where possible and allow extra time for journeys during these hours."

Taxis will start out at Guru Har Rai Gurdawara Car Park on West Bromwich High Street then towards the motorway junction roundabout, Birmingham Road then High Street then Sandwell College, Bromford Lane, they will pass through Oldbury business park, towards Macdonald's Oldbury roundabout, Churchbridge (A4034), Birchfield Lane towards Blackheath town then Henderson Way, High Street Blackheath then Holly Road, then Waterfall Lane leading to Sandwell Licensing Office.