Sandwell Aquatics Centre

The wording in the key of the map, matches the signs you will see during Games time, but this is what they really mean for you: ​

No stopping: Vehicles must not stop on the road to wait, load, unload or board and alight passengers.

Permit access only: Protected by a vehicle permit checkpoint (VPC), only permit holders displaying the permit on their windscreen will be allowed to pass. These permits will be free and issued by your Local Authority, Sandwell Council.

One-way traffic: Vehicles will only be able to travel in one direction on these roads.

Controlled parking: To protect residential roads from spectator parking during events; waiting, loading and parking restrictions will be in place. This means if you live on a controlled parking road you will need a permit to park on the road. These permits will be free and will be issued by your Local Authority, Sandwell Council. You will need to display this permit on your windscreen when parking on-street to avoid a fine.

Venue load zone: Drop off and pick up points for dedicated Games buses.

Vehicle permit checkpoint: You will need to show a permit to travel past a vehicle permit checkpoint (VPC) and access the road.

Secure zone: These areas will have restricted access throughout the Games, they will only be accessible by authorised pass holders or ticket holders on an event day.

Road under construction: This is a road which will be under construction in the lead up to the Games, during which time it may have limited access to ensure safety.

Accessible parking: These are designated parking areas for blue-badge holders.

The following measures will be in place from 21 July

The following measures will be in place from 28 July until 9 August.

It is unlikely that the day of waste collection will change during the Games, however the time of collection will likely be earlier than usual. If there are any adjustments, Sandwell Council will write to you, and details will be updated on this website.

Businesses in the areas surrounding the venues or within the road closures should speak to their commercial waste provider about the potential for disruption to their collection services during this time.

If you live or work in a controlled parking or permit access only road you will need a permit to park and/or access your road.

Permits are free and will be issued by Sandwell Council. The application portal is now open at sandwell.gov.uk.

Permits can also be obtained in person at arranged drop-in sessions:

Businesses will need to apply on behalf of colleagues.

Any delivery driver or service provider trying to pass a vehicle permit checkpoint will need to provide proof of manifest/ order confirmation to the address they are travelling to, along with their personal company ID.

There will be some changes to timetables and routes so check before you travel and follow @TransportforWM for live updates.

Spectators will be encouraged to use public transport when travelling to events, with the cost included in their ticket. For those driving, we will be encouraging them to park at the Hawthorns, where a park and ride site will be operating to the Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

Pedestrian and cycling access will be unrestricted on most roads giving free access to the area. Additionally, there will be designated walking routes for spectators travelling to the stadium.

Residents who receive essential council services, such as assisted care, will continue to do so throughout the Games period. Suitable documentation and ID will need to be presented to travel past a vehicle permit checkpoint.

Essential visitors, such as non-registered carers, will need a permit to travel past a vehicle permit checkpoint. These permits will need to be applied for from the address the visitor is attending.

If you are expecting visitors, please make them aware of the restrictions.

All emergency services are working to ensure that normal services continue during the event period. Access within the restricted areas for emergency services will continue as normal.

In an emergency – call 999 for help with urgent and life-threatening conditions.

Non-emergency – call GPs for urgent, but not-emergency medical care.

Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for advice when GP surgeries are closed.

The team will be out in your local area over the next few months to answer any questions you may have and support where possible.

To find events in your area click here.