RESIDENTS in three Halesowen streets which are used as a 'rat run' by motorists are calling for the speed limit to be lowered to 20mph.

People living in Short Street, Attwood Street and Bloomfield Street North, contacted Labour candidate Andrew Tromans, saying they want to see action to reduce traffic speeding down their roads.

Mr Tromans, who is set to stand for Labour in the Belle Vale ward in this year's local elections, has collected signatures from more than 50 residents calling for the move and handed in the petition to the Belle Vale, Cradley South and Hayley Green community forum last Monday (January 6).

He said: “A number of residents who live on Short Street, Attwood Street and Bloomfield Street North, have contacted me to say that their roads are being used as a rat run.

"This is an issue of grave concern to local people, shown by the fact that nearly everyone on these three streets signed a petition which calls for a 20mph speed limit in their area.

"According to the Department of Transport, in 2017, 792 people were killed and 17,125 were seriously injured in collisions on built-up roads in Great Britain.

"Inappropriate speed is a leading factor in road accidents.

"That is why I want to see action taken to tackle speeding in Belle Vale and beyond.

"If any residents have concerns about speeding in their area, please do not hesitate to get in touch by e mailing me at andrew4bellevale@gmail.com.”

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley Council's cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, said: “We have received a petition and will look into the request made.

"We have already made some areas around schools 20mph zones at opening and closing times which hopefully help make it safer for children and families walking to school.

"Enforcing a 20mph road/zone is a matter for the police as with every other speed limit across the borough and we continue to work with them on safety issues for our roads across the borough.”