Frequently Asked Questions
New Street, West Bromwich
Which way can I get to New Street?
New Street is a Bus Gate. No vehicles, other than those permitted are able to travel through the entirety of this location.
The signage upon approach to the Bus Gate is clear and provides information on turning points to avoid this for motorists that may need these to avoid entering the Bus Gate.
Why is the Bus Gate in operation 24 hours a day?
To safeguard pedestrians and provide safe passage who use the town square 24 hours of the day.
A Traffic Regulation Order to that effect was approved by Cabinet and objections were considered by the Cabinet Member.
Where are the signs?
Traveling from Cronehills Linkway to New Street you will be able to see the signage in place on approach.
Travelling from St Michaels Street/High Street to New Street you will see the signage in place on approach.
How do I get to the disabled car park?
Access to the Disabled car park is available from Cronehills Linkway in accordance with consultation publicity and the Cabinet Report considering objections. The same route is required to be used when leaving the car park which is to turn left out of the car park towards Cronehills Linkway to avoid entering the Bus Gate. Appropriate signs are in place facing the exit.
Walsall Road, West Bromwich
When is this in operation?
Walsall Road bus lane is in operation, Monday - Saturday, 7:00am - 7:00pm.
How do I get to Beaconview Road?
You can turn onto Beaconview Road after the solid white line ends, if you enter before this you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
Hagley Road West, Oldbury
When is this in operation?
Hagley Road West bus lane is in operation, Monday - Saturday, 7:00am - 7:00pm.
How do I get to Wolverhampton Road?
You can turn onto Wolverhampton Road after the solid white line ends, if you enter before this you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
Why are motor cycles not allowed in the bus lane?
It is more appropriate for motor cycles to use the Ringway as an alternative route rather than the pedestrian town square, hence there is no exemption in the cabinet approved Traffic Regulation Order. The Bus Gate does not permit any motorised vehicles except the permitted vehicles. This is to allow maximum safety of pedestrians in a pedestrian zone with large number of pedestrian footfall.
Why can't private hire vehicles use the Bus Lane/Gate?
Only buses, Hackney Carriages and pedal cycles (and emergency vehicles in an emergency) are allowed in bus lanes and the bus-only street in Sandwell. Private hire vehicles are NOT allowed in bus lanes or the bus-only street.
A Hackney Carriage is a taxi with a meter which is licensed to wait on taxi ranks, collect passengers from a taxi rank and is available to be hailed in the street (ply for hire). Licences for hackney carriage vehicles and drivers are granted under the provisions of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and Town Police Clauses Act 1889, as applied by the Public Health Act 1875 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. A private hire vehicle is not licenced to collect passengers from ranks or to be hailed in the street, but is licensed to be hired by prior arrangement only.
How can I avoid a fine?
You should check the signs at the start of the bus lane or bus-only street before entering to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice.
Every driver in Sandwell is responsible for making sure they comply with all traffic regulations. Using Sat-Nav is not an accepted excuse for contravening regulations by entering a bus lane or bus-only street: you will still be held responsible.
If in doubt, stay out!