A SEDGLEY councillor is calling on Dudley Council to reduce the speed limit in a busy residential street “before there is a fatality”.

Councillor Bill Etheridge, who is also a West Midlands MEP, wants a 20mph speed limit and 7.5 tonne weight limit applied to Kings Road.

The UKIP councillor sent out surveys to the street’s residents to gauge their views on how to stop the estate from being used as a “rat run”.

He claims several dozen responses, including detailed letters from residents, were handed into his High Holborn office showing support for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from using the route.

However, a spokesman from Dudley Council said Cllr Etheridge has not yet raised the issue with the local authority.

Speaking on the results of the survey, Cllr Etheridge said: “This area has been used as a rat run for a long time now and, with the ever increasing levels of traffic on the road, it is time something was done.

“There have been frequent occasions where large vehicles have had to reverse up, having found themselves unable to get between parked cars.

“Parking on pavements for residents is a major issue and we have called before for free car parking on Bilston Street car park to try and relieve the congestion.

“With vehicles constantly blocking pavements, mothers are being forced to step into the road with pushchairs. Will it take a fatality for something to be done?”

Responding to Cllr Etheridge’s comments, Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “We have no plans for a 20mph zone or a weight limit in Kings Road, but we would be happy to speak to ward councillors if they raise it directly with us.”