Traders gridlocked a major Birmingham road last night by driving at just 10mph in protest at ' zerotolerance' parking zones.
Members of the Stratford Road Business Association, who run businesses based on the A34 Stratford Road, brought traffic to a standstill during rush hour. It was the second time they had caused delays during rush hour in protest against the city council's Red Route plans, which would reduce the number of parking spaces, and ensure anyone illegally stopped on double red lines received an instant fine.
Local traders fear shoppers will turn their backs on Stratford Road stores if they are forced to 'fight over parking spots' with delivery vans.
Protester Noor Hussain said traders were 'fighting for their lives' because of plans to cut parking on the road and reduce congestion. He said: "Obviously, this will severely affect business along this route as traders will not have parking facilities near their establishments, nor will customers have the convenience of parking alongside the shopping centres which they use on a daily basis."
A protest is planned for tomorrow at 3.45pm, from Stratford Road and travelling along the A34.
