MP urges rethink over junction plans

Wolverhampton South West MP Stuart Anderson said he expected the views of residents and local businesses to be taken into account

An MP has called on the City of Wolverhampton Council to reconsider traffic calming measures at a problem junction after widespread anger over the plans.

Stuart Anderson, who represents Wolverhampton South West, has written to the city council's chief executive over proposals to introduce a one-way system at a junction on the A41 in Tettenhall known locally as The Rock.

More than 100 protesters gathered near the junction on Sunday, many claiming the measures would make it more dangerous.

The council said it had extended a consultation period until 12 January to allow more views to be considered.

All six of Tettenhall's Conservative councillors are opposed to the traffic regulation order, which would also introduce a no right-turn rule.

They are calling for four-way traffic lights to be installed instead.

Wendy Thompson, the Conservative opposition group leader on the City of Wolverhampton Council, is among those backing the call.

More than 100 people gathered at the protest on Sunday

Fellow Tory Mr Anderson said the results of the consultation should be carefully studied.

"I have been contacted by many residents who are concerned," he said.

"Our expectation is clear - we expect the possible impacts on communities, both positive and negative, and any mitigations for these, to be considered.

"We also expect the needs of residents, emergency services, and local businesses as well as those who work in and visit these areas to be balanced and carefully considered."

Writing on his website, Mr Anderson said residents had suggested a series of tight bends and blind spots could make it dangerous for emergency vehicles, while long queues could result from drivers choosing different routes to avoid the one-way system.

Tettenhall resident Anna Simpson expressed concerns

Tettenhall resident Anna Simpson told the BBC she believed the changes would increase risk and make it impossible to create a cycle lane.

A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesperson said the consultation period had been extended to allow the additional information to be considered.

"No decision has been made on whether to implement the scheme at this stage as we will first consider all comments and representations from the consultation," a statement read.