Red Route Spells Danger

Bethel Convention Centre on Kelvin Way, which attracts 70,000 visitors annually, fears its own operations would be severely hit by the scheme, along with nearby hotels and shops, which could see a drastic drop in business.

The convention centre’s management believes local residents will also suffer as people attending the conference centre will park their vehicles on side streets as a result of the proposed red route parking restrictions on Kelvin Way.

The council says red routes reduce congestion and improve road safety by removing obstructions such as inconsiderate and illegal parking and loading. Red routes use double and single lines on the road and signs to indicate where and when stopping is prohibited.

However, Paul Dryden, Operations Manager at Bethel Convention Centre, says the plans would be terrible for the neighbourhood.

“We have been established here for over ten years and service the corporate, community and faith sectors.

Bethel Convention Centre's General Manager, Michael Da Costa, added: “I can understand the need for a red route along Kenrick Way, Trinity Way and by the M5 junction, especially on West Bromwich Albion match days, but I sincerely believe there would be even greater disruption if the red route was implemented along Kelvin Way."

Over the last five years Bethel Convention Centre has recorded attendances of more than 70,000 people per year at its conference venue. At present the centre only has parking for 350 cars. Extra spaces are available in an adjacent field, but the council, depending on the use of the field, restricts this facility.

“In most cases where more than 350 to 400 people attend events, people park their cars on Kelvin Way. Up to 35% of our events are attended by 450 to 2,500 people per day and it is already a challenge to manage the parking for cars and coaches. This is something we have coordinated with the help of local police.

“I do not believe due consideration has been given to the fact that Bethel Convention Centre attracts so many visitors from faith organisations, the corporate sector and public sector services – indeed, the NHS Trust is one of our largest and longest serving clients,” added Mr Da Costa.

Local streets that could be affected including: Dawes Avenue, Gill Street, Ellison Street, Johnston Street, Bromford Lane, Westbourne Road, Clifford Road, Margaret Street and Bache Street.