Extra time over red route row

Mar 27 2008 By Neil Elkes

CITY transport chiefs have until mid-May to make the controversial Stratford Road red route permanent, it emerged today.

Traders thought that cabinet member for transport Coun Len Gregory needed to sign the order by March 27 to ensure legal matters were resolved before the May 1 local elections.

But as the deadline passed, it has now emerged he has a further six weeks to settle the issue.

The no-stopping double red lines were installed on the A34 last May with a time limit of 12 months to make them either permanent or scrap them.

In the meantime the watchdog transport scrutiny committee will shortly publish its own report into the red route and is expected to recommend it continues.

A council spokeswoman said: "No decision needs to be made on the future of the Stratford Road red route until early May.

"The report of the scrutiny committee will be available shortly and a report on the way forward will then be considered by the cabinet member for transportation and street services within the next four weeks."

The Straford Road Traders Association is leading calls for the route to be scrapped saying it has led to a drop in takings for small shops.