News on Birmingham Transport Plan

Delivered as part of Birmingham’s new Places for People programme , this aims to reduce traffic in residential areas so that neighbourhoods become quieter, the air is cleaner and streets feel safer for walking and cycling.

This pilot will see the introduction of ‘modal filters’ to restrict through-traffic on certain streets. Residents will still be able to drive to their homes, have visitors, get deliveries, etc, but it will be made harder or impossible to drive straight through the area.

The first phase will cover the area to the west of Kings Heath High Street bordered by the railway line, Kings Heath Park and Howard Road (A4040). It will also see the pedestrianisation of York Road between the High Street and Waterloo Road. You can view plans of all the proposed changes here .

The next phase of the Kings Heath pilot, to be delivered this autumn, will cover the eastern side of the High Street. Initial proposals have highlighted some concerns about the impact on neighbouring roads so consideration is being given to what should be done here to ensure the whole area benefits, and further updates will be shared shortly.

Work to implement these changes, delivered as part of the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund , will start from next week. Measures will initially be delivered on a temporary trial basis for up to six months to support walking and cycling in light of the impact of COVID-19 as outlined in the Emergency Birmingham Transport Plan .

The emergency nature of this situation means we have had to work quickly to bring in some measures this summer, but we do want to keep people informed about what is happening here and why. We also want to hear from people about what they think and whether it is something they want to continue – future decisions will be shaped by the people who live and spend their time in the area.

The local Councillors, Lisa Trickett and Mike Leddy (Brandwood & Kings Heath), have arranged an online briefing session about these plans for Monday 24 August, 6pm. Please email connected@birmingham.gov.uk to register, and we will send you the meeting link. More information, including responses to some frequently asked questions, can be found at www.birmingham.gov.uk/placesforpeople.