Red Route 1

“NO PARKING” ROUTE LEAVES TRADERS IN THE RED

08-01-2008

Nine out of ten shops on the controversial congestion-busting red route in Sparkbrook say the scheme has hit their trade – and it’s claimed that nearly 100 jobs could be lost as a result.

The figures emerged from a survey commissioned by the Stratford Road Business Association, and conducted by Aston University and Birmingham City University.

Fewer than 1% of those affected felt that the tough “no parking” regime had led to increased profits, with just over 4% saying it had made no difference.

Birmingham City Council has created alternative parking areas to compensate for the loss of bays on the busy A34 – but these have been criticised as being too far away or in isolated areas.

It’s also emerged that the Cabinet Member for Transport Len Gregory still hasn’t fulfilled a long-standing promise to meet the traders face to face on their home turf.

We revealed that he broke his long-standing commitment to visit Stratford Road because of his poorly hip in October – but although he is now back in action, he still hasn’t found time in his busy diary to reschedule - (see link here). 

(They’ve been waiting more than two years now, Len!)

Shop owner Abdul Vanat said, “the survey comes as no surprise.  It’s what we told the Council would happen, but they didn’t even carry out an Economic Impact Assessment.

“People have put their who life into these business, but they don’t seem to count.

“It says everything that we can’t even get Len Gregory down here to see us.  We made our latest request before Christmas, but our email hasn’t even been acknowledged.”