A new plan has been launched to end the ‘over-reliance’ on private cars in Birmingham and ‘fundamentally change’ the way people move around the city.
Birmingham City Council’s transport plan aims to reduce transport pollution, promote active travel and make roads safer.
A key component of the plan is a ban on private cars making ‘through trips’ across the city centre. Vehicles will still be able to drive into the city, but will have to go back out to the ring road to access other areas.
The plan also includes proposals for the creation of a network of pedestrian streets and public spaces, which would be integrated with public transport services and cycling infrastructure.
If approved, it would see the implementation of a default 20mph limit on all residential roads.
Cllr Waseem Zaffar, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “As a city, we have been over-reliant on private cars for too long.
“We need to find innovative new ways to keep the city moving in an efficient but sustainable way.
“The more journeys we take by walking and cycling, the more we will improve air quality and our health and the more we will reduce congestion. For longer journeys, buses, trams and trains will be the backbone of a new, go-anywhere transport system.
“Good transport is the most important ingredient in ensuring that the benefits of Birmingham’s growth are felt in every part of the city. To unlock the potential of transport, we need to fundamentally change the way people and goods move around the city.”
Subject to cabinet approval on 21 January, the draft plan will then go out to public consultation from 28 January, before a final version is formally adopted by the council.
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