Historically known as the ‘city of a thousand trades’ thanks to its industrial history, Birmingham is a constantly changing city and is now home to over 1.1 million people.
As a large local authority, Birmingham City Council is committed to tackling climate change, improving air quality, improving health and growing our economy. Transport is fundamental to all these, and we recognise that current trends in car use are unsustainable.
Set out in the Birmingham Transport Plan, the vision for Birmingham’s transport is to have a sustainable, green, inclusive, go-anywhere network. Safe and healthy environments will make walking, cycling and active travel the first choice for people making short journeys. A fully integrated, high-quality public transport system will be the go-to choice for longer trips. A smart, innovative, carbon neutral and low emission network will support sustainable and inclusive economic success, tackle the climate emergency, and promote the health and well-being of Birmingham’s citizens.
The vision is guided by four key principles:
The allocation of road space will change away from prioritising private cars, to support the delivery of public transport and active travel networks fit for a global city, fundamentally changing the way that people and goods move around the city.
The city centre of Birmingham will be transformed through the creation of a network of pedestrianised streets and public spaces, integrated with public transport services and cycling infrastructure. Access to the city centre for private cars will be limited, with no through trips allowed. This includes looking at different options for the central section of the A38 Queensway, including re-routing traffic to an upgraded A4540 Ring Road.
Walking, cycling and active travel will become the first choice for most people making short journeys in their local neighbourhoods. Cars will no longer dominate street life around homes and schools. A limit of 20mph will be standard on all local roads. Residential neighbourhoods and local centres will be places where people are put first.
Parking will be used as a means to manage demand for travel by car through availability, pricing and restrictions. Where development potential exists, land currently occupied by car parking will be put to more productive use.
