STATEMENT FROM THE WEST MIDLANDS METROPOLITAN AUTHORITIES
(Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton and the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority)

Wolverhampton Leader Councillor Roger Lawrence, transport lead for the West Midlands Metropolitan Authorities, said:

‘This is very good news for the West Midlands. The decision today is a vital next step in getting to grips with the problem of traffic congestion. Recent Government figures show that the West Midlands already has the busiest roads in Britain, and this is predicted to get worse.

‘Tackling congestion in the West Midlands metropolitan area is crucial to the regeneration of the wider region, and important in keeping the whole country moving.

‘We are now ready to begin a major feasibility study that will look in detail at congestion levels and causes in the West Midlands. The study will also investigate the costs and benefits of potential solutions to congestion, including flexible road pricing.

‘The business community and other key stakeholders back the lead taken by the Metropolitan Authorities. Everyone understands that doing nothing about a worsening congestion problem that’s already costing the West Midlands £2.5bn every year is not an option.

‘We are committed to keeping the West Midlands public informed and to consulting at key decision points as this work progresses.’