Final day for objections to new red route

Plans for a new red route were approved by councillors in February

A consultation on plans for new traffic restrictions on more than 60 roads in Coventry is drawing to a close.

Under the changes, parts of the city centre will become designated red routes, meaning drivers will not be permitted to stop or park on selected roads.

The restrictions will cover the route of Coventry's Very Light Rail (CVLR) network and areas such as the Burges and Trinity Street.

Coventry City Council previously said the move would reduce air pollution and "make the city centre a healthier and safer place."

The planned red route is set to go from Warwick Road to Pool Meadow Bus Station

The consultation, which was approved by councillors in February, also includes a new cycleway, changes to restricted parking zones and new double yellow lines.

Red routes, marked by double red lines along the kerb, mean no stopping will be allowed, with only emergency services, blue badge holders and taxis permitted to stop on them.

The planned red route would run from Warwick Road to Pool Meadow Bus Station, and would also cover Bishop Street and New Union Street.

Major Gill said the proposed changes would benefit taxi drivers in Coventry

Taxi driver Major Gill, chairman of Unite union's taxi branch in Coventry, said he was in favour of red routes and had been waiting for a "long time."

He said he thought the proposed changes would help taxi and black-cab drivers in the city.

“I think what you’ve got to do, is you’ve got to come after 6 o'clock when everybody’s allowed to see the panic that it creates, especially Uber drivers and everything," he explained.

“Nobody wants to go out of the city [to get a taxi], especially with shopping and kids, so I think it will be good for us.”