MOTORISTS are advised to find alternative routes due to a protest in Oldbury by taxi drivers.

Sandwell taxi drivers are marching on foot from West Bromwich town centre and Oldbury from 11am tomorrow (Wednesday June 29).

They are unhappy at the length of time they say it is taking the council to issue private hire licenses.

Sandwell Council put out a message advising motorists to allow extra time or alternative routes.

The march is planned to travel from Spon Lane, along West Bromwich Ringway, down Moor Street and along Bromford Lane, the A4304 to Oldbury, and then returning to West Bromwich by the same route.

It said: "We are aware of a protest from 11am tomorrow (Wednesday) morning involving a march on foot between West Bromwich town centre and Oldbury, then returning to West Bromwich.

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

Drivers say there are numerous issues and that they have been passed from pillar to post by Sandwell Council with issues rumbling on since 2020.

Imran Qureshi, secretary of Sandwell Private Hire Drivers' Association, said: "We estimated around 200-300 drivers will participate in this Walk March protest.

"The procession will start at 11oclock from Guru Har Rai Gurdwara Sahib Car park on Spone Lane via West Bromwich ringway, past the bus station and police station, Bromford Lane till we reach Sandwell Council House in Oldbury."