Red Routes

With expected growth in travel demand over the coming years, traffic problems will only increase unless we do something about them. Red Routes is an initiative aimed at making getting around better for everyone, by making the best use of the roads.

What is a Red Route and how does it work?

A Red Route is a way of reducing traffic congestion and making travel better for everyone. They work mainly by reducing delays caused by inappropriate parking by improved control of parking and loading restrictions.

Red Routes use red lines and signs that clearly indicate where stopping is prohibited and define where and when parking and loading is allowed.

In simple terms, yellow lines mean no waiting at any time where double yellow lines, whilst on a Red Route no stopping at any time applies to double red lines. You may stops to park, load/unload where there are specially marked boxes and adjacent signs specifying times and purposes and duration allowed.

Red Routes across the West Midlands

Red Routes is an initiative being introduced across the West Midlands, which is part of the Local Transport Plan for the region. Red Routes which have been introduced in London have proven to improve the road environment and air quality.

Surveys from the introduction of a National Award winning pilot scheme on the A34 Stratford Road in Solihull shows congestion is reduced, journey times are more reliable and businesses continue to prosper - good news for traders.

What are the benefits?

Red Routes will mean fewer obstructions caused by illegal parking and loading, freer flowing traffic and a positive impact on air quality and fuel efficiency for all road users, businesses, pedestrians and residents. They will also help to achieve our aim of reducing the number of road traffic accidents and making our roads safer for everyone.

Fewer road traffic accidents is good news for everyone and is a key objective of the West Midlands Local Transport Plan. To ensure the benefits are achieved and sustained, a comprehensive monitoring programme is in place to accurately assess all schemes. This information also helps to guide development of further routes throughout the network.

Coventry's first Red Route

Coventry's first Red Route will go live on 18th October 2007. This scheme runs from the Ring Road to the M6, along Sky Blue Way, Walsgrave Road, through Ball Hill, Ansty Road and Hinckley Road.