A Short Drive Through Three Dialling Codes in the Black Country
A brief journey along the B4163 reveals the unique geography of the Black Country
Bilston, Coseley, Tipton, Moxley, Black Country, Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton
Bilston: You wouldn’t believe how a quick drive can show you so much. Just hop on the B4163, and in no time, you’re crossing through three different areas. It’s a short 1.9-mile stretch, but it really gives you a feel for how packed the Black Country is.
As you cruise around Bilston, Coseley, Tipton, and Moxley, you’ll notice something interesting. The borders of three councils meet right here. It’s kind of wild that one street can have different bin days and different teams taking care of the roads.
This road, the B4163, winds its way through these local authority areas. In just six minutes, you can pass through three different dialling codes. Postcodes? Well, that’s a whole other story!
Starting at the southern end, the B4163 is called Bradley’s Lane. It kicks off at the A4037 Bloomfield Road in Tipton, which has the 0121 dialling code. But here’s where it gets tricky: this part of Sandwell has the Dudley postcode DY.
As you head north, the B4163 only stays in Sandwell for a tiny bit before it crosses into Dudley. You’ll notice the dialling code switch to 01384 near some houses. It’s a quick change, but it’s all part of the fun!
Then, the B4163 carries on for about 0.9 miles through Dudley. It changes names a few times—Bradley’s Lane, Summerhill Road, Harding Street, and Daisy Street—until it reaches Asda Coseley, where the boundary shifts again.
Just before you hit Rounds Road in Coseley, the B4163 crosses into Wolverhampton. Now, the dialling code changes to 01902, and the postcode switches to WV. It’s like a little adventure!
Continuing for another 0.9 miles in Wolverhampton, the road changes names again—Daisy Street, Ash Street, Highfields Road, Salop Street, and finally Loxdale Street. It ends at a crossroads with the A41 Oxford Street, right by Grand Interiors.
While the B4163 might not be the prettiest drive, it’s a vital route through the Black Country. Plus, it gives you a glimpse of some historic villages that have been absorbed into the West Midlands.