Speed limit on Wolverhampton Ring Road dropping to 30mph

The speed limit on Wolverhampton's ring road is to be temporarily reduced in a bid to promote cycling and walking.

Transport bosses at the city council said the speed limit on the city's main ring road will decrease from 40pm and 30mph from Sunday evening.

It comes as Wolverhampton Council aims to ensure people walking and cycling in the city stay safe from coronavirus.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment said: "Due to the essential need for social distancing, a fundamental redesign of public space is required to ensure all residents are able to travel, exercise and play safely and comfortably.

"The city council is developing plans to increase the city’s walking and cycling infrastructure, focusing on cleaner technology and rebuilding the public transport network.

"Improvements will be led by priority, demand, feasibility and the need to ensure the potential for increased traffic is not compromised.

"We will be introducing these measures initially on a temporary basis, with a view to making successful interventions semi-permanent or even permanent as we move towards a cleaner, greener city.

"I would urge people to consider walking or cycling where possible if they need to visit the city centre and if you are coming by car, please consider parking outside of the centre and, where you can, walking or cycling in for that final part of your journey which is better for you and also will help create a safer environment for other citizens."

Council chiefs have drawn up a plan to help make streets safer or residents and visitors – with a re-design of public spaces to tackle emissions and promote healthier alternatives.

Footways in the city could be widened, with bus stops relocated, pop-up bike lanes introduced and additional crossing points created.

Routes which are being considered for changes include Stafford Road, city centre routes and public spaces, Waterloo Road, Penn Road, Chapel Ash, Willenhall Road and Wednesfield Road.

Further plans are being drawn up for roads and public spaces and more detail will be available next week as these are finalised.